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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
CANN, Sidney MacDonald (Sid) - 84, after an ongoing struggle with dementia and immobility, passed peacefully on February 12, 2023 under the compassionate care of staff on 1C at Northwood Terrace, Halifax, NS.
Born in Glace Bay to Mary Ann (MacDonald) and William (Billy) Cann.
Beloved husband for 44 years of Linda (Broom) Cann, formerly of Ottawa, Ont.
Survived by son Jonathan (Oksana) and granddaughter Rebecca Cann of Elmira; sisters Margie (Jake) Cromie, and Wilma (Jack) Jacobs; several nieces and nephews, all of Toronto area. Predeceased by first wife Barbara Cann. Private cremation entrusted to Dartmouth Funeral Home.
Sid's family moved to Toronto in 1950, where he completed his education.
Born with the sea in his blood, Sid initially joined the Sea Cadets, then enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy Reserves, HMCS York (Sonar rating). He played percussion in both naval bands, and later (at 6'2”) carried the bass drum in many parades.
Commencing his career as a refrigeration mechanic, he expanded his training to encompass the entire heating, ventilation and air-conditioning trades. Increasing responsibilities in the HVAC industry had Sid traveling extensively, taking him across Canada, and as far as the USSR.
Sid's entrepreneurial spirit took over when at various times he became the owner/operator of several businesses: a fuel depot/ garage specializing in the repair of refrigeration tractor-trailers (Toronto); The Second Cup and St. Jerome's franchises, OCSL Property Inspections, rental homes (Dartmouth); GESA Int'l Import/Export, and National Construction Services International–upgrading apartments to western standards (Moscow).
Once the ocean had drawn Sid back to Nova Scotia, he found the way to mix business and pleasure.
Cruising out of the Dartmouth Yacht Club, “Captain Crunch” became a familiar figure on the Halifax Harbour. As a member of the Halifax Board of Trade, he reinvigorated the Halifax Junior Chamber of Commerce as the “Halifax Jaycees“ along with its hospitality symbol of “Jolly Tar” who, along with The Press Gang, “terrorized” business conventions for a charitable donation.
Sid and Linda hosted four lovely teen girls - foreign exchange students in Grade 12, taking them to various parts of Canada and the US as each of their passports allowed. Their bond as her 'Canadian parents' continues to this day with their first student, Ana.
Sid always believed in proper training and certification for the industry in which he was working. Home inspection was no exception. As a Registered Home Inspector, he was a founding director and first President of the Canadian Association of Home Inspectors (Atlantic). CAHI encourages its members to upgrade their home inspection qualifications through professional certification. Sid also served on a national advisory board seeking government recognition.
Together, Sid and Linda worked and moved around Nova Scotia; married on the old family farm in Mira Gut, Cape Breton, enjoyed many holiday travels, and eventually settled and retired in Dartmouth.
Will be especially missed by cousin Valerie (Jim) LeBlanc of Cape Breton and friend Rob James, Dartmouth.
Should you wish to make a donation, The War Amps – Nova Scotia would appreciate your support. (Dartmouth Funeral Home)
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