Obituary of John Connell

Connell, John Leo "Jack" - 92 of Granville Centre, Annapolis County, passed away suddenly August 27, 2014, in Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Middleton. Born in Granville Centre, he was a son of the late Hastings and Mary Loretta (Thibideau) Connell. Jack started his work career at the age of 17, cutting and hauling wood with his own team of horses, eventually becoming a contractor for Lincoln Pulp and Paper (later, Bowater Mersey) in Lake Jolly. He drove a pop truck for ten years then served as route supervisor of Port Royal Diary in Annapolis Royal, and later branch manager for the same company, in Middleton. Jack formed J.L. Connell and Sons Trucking Ltd. with some of his family. He was Imperial Oil Home Heating agent for Annapolis Royal area for many years, then retired to his farm in 1986 and worked part time driving a dump truck and hauling wood. Jack loved to be outdoors, enjoying his garden and summers at the Lawrencetown Exhibition, "showing" and "pulling" his teams of draft horses and oxen. For nine years Jack and wife, Dorothy, hosted an ox pull on their farm as part of a community fund raiser for the local hall. As many as 48 pairs of oxen and their teamsters travelled from as far away as Windsor and Yarmouth, to attend. Jack is survived by daughter, Sharon (Ron) Garrison, Ward Rd.; sons, David (Hilda), Bridgetown, Ken (Pat), Parker's Cove, Wayne (Roberta), Rick (Candy), John (Sandy), all of Granville Centre, fifteen grandchildren and many beloved great grandchildren. He is also survived by step children, Shelia Blenus and June Warren and his very special care giver, Hilda Orde. Many thanks from the rest of the family for her love and care. Jack was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy (Pitman) Connell; sister, Kathryn Connell, Vivian Eaton, Grace Crosby; brother, Lawrence. His twin brother, Eugene was killed while serving in the RCAF during World War II. He recently lost his second wife, Olive (Guest) Connell. Jack was an amazing person, who was much loved by his family and respected by all who knew him. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of the Kaulbach Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Annapolis Royal. A visitation will be held 7-9 pm, Tuesday September 2, 2014, with a memorial service being held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, both from Kaulbach Family Funeral Home, Annapolis Royal with Pastor Herb Anderson officiating. Private family burial will take place following the service.The family wishes to invite everyone to a reception held at Jack's home, at 5885 Hwy #1 Granville Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wadeville Cemetery c/o Sandy Connell PO Box 421, Annapolis Royal, N.S. B0S 1A0 or the Granville Centre Hall. On line condolences may be sent to www.kaulbachfamilyfuneralhome.com