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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
KING, Augustine Robert (Bo, Bob, Gus) - passed away peacefully on January 1, 2023 in Dartmouth, NS. He was born in Sydney Mines (Tobin Road), Cape Breton on Aug 7, 1930. He was the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Nicholson) King. He was raised in Sydney Mines together with his six siblings. At the age of 18, he joined the exodus of young Cape Bretoners to Ontario, where he ultimately spent 40 years. In 1950, shortly after the outbreak of the Korean War, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy. He served on HMCS HURON and, as well, on HMCS MAGNIFICENT. When asked which was the best ship, his reply was, “friendship”. In 1957 he joined the Ontario Provincial Police (O.P.P.). He served for 32 years and retired with the rank of Staff-Sgt. While serving in Northern Ontario he met his future bride, Olga, and they were married in 1961. His spirit was crushed when she passed away suddenly on November 1, 2017, and he spent his remaining years missing her immensely. His proudest moment as a Canadian came on a frigid afternoon (February 15, 1965) in Blind River, ON, when he was able to cheer vociferously as he saw the Canadian flag being raised for the first time. Since 1944 (age 14), he has been a loyal and devoted St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. His boyhood sports role model was baseball hall-of-famer Stan (The Man) Musial. He was passionately proud of being a Cape Bretoner. He always had a great respect for his coal-miner father and for coal-miners collectively. While growing up in Cape Breton, walking was the fashion; in his senior years, it became another passion. From 1982 to 2023, he walked in excess of 35,000 miles. He had a strong affinity for people and he felt blessed in having many loyal and true friends. He cherished them all. He was predeceased by his beloved wife (Olga), their infant daughter (Mary Elizabeth), his sister (Elizabeth) and an infant brother. He is survived by his precious daughter, Maureen (McVicar), and her husband Paul McVicar; treasured grandsons Daniel Robert, Michael Xavier and William James McVicar; sisters Cecilia Kendrick, Trudy Furzecott, Anne Chaisson and Voni King; brother Anthony King; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. There will be no visitation by request. A funeral mass will be celebrated for Gus and Olga at Holy Family Parish (Church Hall), Main Street, Sydney Mines, Cape Breton on Saturday, January 7 at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, North Sydney at a later date. Arrangements are under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. Donations in memory can be made to a charitable organization very near and dear to his heart, Hope Cottage in Halifax, NS, or to the IWK Foundation. (The Saltwire Network 05 Jan 2023)
Ships served in: HMCS HURON - Served in HURON during the Korean War
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