Obituary of Thomas Joseph Scully

MACPHERSON’S MILLS – Thomas Joseph “Joe” Scully, 82, Westville, formerly of Lourdes and McPherson Mills, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2023, in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow.

Although he grew up in Lourdes, much of his youth was spent at his maternal grandparent’s home in Pine Tree (as pictured above). It was here he developed his love of the outdoors and local history. He knew not just the history but also the geography as his love of hunting, fishing and trapping took him across much of the uninhabited land from Pine Tree to Weavers Mountain and far beyond.

He spent 42 years married to the first love of his life, Dorothy “Dot”. Together in MacPherson's Mills they raised three children and provided a life of love, learning and great experiences. In his early married life he was a Welding Inspection Supervisor at Hawker Siddley. After leaving there he spent his career travelling throughout Canada working on   sites in the oil, energy, and transportation industries. He thoroughly enjoyed seeing the diversity of this country as he worked.  He retired from Rasmussen's Custom Wood Products in Parks Falls where he was employed by good friends Steve and Cecelia Rasmussen.

 

His true labor of love was his blueberries. What started as a forest in the early 70s he cleared one tree at a time with help from his boys. His happiest season was spent watching his grandsons rake in the first harvest to sell. 

 

He had a remarkable memory and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of local history. He often provided very entertaining and insightful information from not only his lifetime but that of his grandparents. It wasn’t unheard of for him to take you some place in the middle of nowhere and make you stand in what seemed to be an abandoned road then let you know your great grandmother once stood in that same spot decades before. He also had a close relationship with Pictou Landing First Nations where he enjoyed sharing their history and was happy, he was able to make tangible contributions to their cultural collections.

 

He had a wide variety of interests. He spent countless hours hunting, fishing, trapping, scuba diving, running, curling, playing broomball. As his family grew, he ensured we had a wide variety of experiences to look back on.  We travelled, camped, and explored the entire province. He was a member of the Nova Scotia Guide Association for many years and hosted two events in Pictou County which introduced events like canoe racing, axe throwing and log rolling to the people of Pictou County. This membership also afforded him the opportunity to take his family to events throughout the province. Very seldom did our family trips just have family.  Dad always had room for an extra kid or two in the back seat of the Corolla or station wagon. 

 

His dedication to family was shown through actions and words. He encouraged and supported all our interests which is no mean feat with three very different children plus a few extras from the neighborhood thrown in for good measure. He made sure all were welcome, and all were included regardless of personal circumstance. His love and pride for his family could be heard and felt. He would gladly speak of the adventures and accomplishments of not only his children and grandchildren but those of his nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and extended family of all generations.  It brought him great joy to share the news amongst family and friends. Especially with his good friends at Wendy’s and McDonald's.  

 

His love of driving has taken him on extensive travels both locally and all the way to the west coast. He has made numerous cross country trips to visit family and friends with a little detour to the Crazy Horse Monument in South Dakota. His last trip was his most exciting as he surprised everyone by introducing them to Janie Gordon. Dad and Janie shared an incredible love and treasured each other above all else. Dad loved surprising Janie with a new road not taken while on their daily drives.

 

Joe is survived by his most loving partner, Janie Gordon, Westville;  his son, Ian Scully (Jane Bruce), Gull Lake, Alta. and Ian’s daughter, Morgana Scully, Saskatoon; Sask.; his son Robbie (Wendy) Scully, Beamsville, Ont. and their son Jamie, St. Catherines, Ont.; his daughter, Brenda Scully (Cameron Pelley) and their sons, Aaron and Jason Pelley, Coalburn; brother, Vince “Freddie” (Maria) Scully, Boyle, Alta.; closest niece, Barbie Scully and her children Tierra, Dylan (Amanda) and Mackenzie, Spruce Grove, Alta.; brothers-in-law, Tim (Sandra) Holt, Wellington; Kenny McLeod, Abbotsford, B.C. and Cyril (Eileen) MacLeod, Truro; sisters-in-law, Pat Scully, Boyle, Alta.; Bonnie Scully, Courtney, B.C. and Joan MacLeod, London, Ont.; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

 

He was predeceased by his wife Dorothy Evelyn (McLeod;  parents, Richard and Catherine (Grant) Scully; sister, Winnie Holt; brothers, Ritchie and Bernie Scully. His closest uncle and friend, Vincent Grant and special family friend, Donnie McDougall.

 

Dad always helped others and has been granted his final wish. His body was accepted by Dalhousie University for medical science education and research.

 

Donations in memory of him can be made to Hope For Wildlife as he often cared for orphaned or injured wildlife at home and nothing would make him happier than being able to help more animals.

 

Dad was a very dedicated blood donor his entire life. If this is something you are able to do, please consider giving the next time a clinic is available. Believe me, it will change a life!

 

Lovingly submitted by Ian, Rob, Brenda, Barb, and Janie.

 

 

 

 

 

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