Anthony "Tony" Coady

Our loving father, grandfather, brother, Anthony James "Tony" Coady, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 7. Tony was born on February 1, 1924, at the ancestral Coady farm in Margaree, Forks, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.Tony's great generosity, love, wit and deep musical voice will be sorely missed by his six children, Joanne Coady (Curtis Dillabough) and Caroline Coady (Dwight Hodge), Ottawa; Margaret Antolovich (Ed), Powell River BC; James Coady (Debbie), Thunder Bay; Susan (John) Guzzo, Grimsby; and Frank Coady (Lisa Stalvey), Malibu, CA; as well as his dear sister Mary Coady (Mississauga) and many friends and relatives. He will also be missed as a wry "one liner" speaking, card playing grandpa of 15 grandchildren - Jennifer and Elle Fraser, Mary, Alexander, and Mark Antolovich, Matt and Alyssa Coady, Jenna, Steven, and Kevin Guzzo, Owen, Ronnie, and Rosie Gray, and Montana and Jack Coady -- as well as 3 great grandchildren, Coady, Francis and Millie Groulx. He is together now in heaven with wife Terry, siblings Donald and Annabelle, parents Catherine and Francis, and much beloved dogs Rocket and Hank.Tony lived a full life. As a young man he worked on the family farm and became a prize winning gardener. His children grew up enjoying the many vegetables he grew in the back garden (with the exception of parsnips) and the tangled scented beauty of his sweet peas, gladiolas, lilies and roses. An exceptional cook, he never did things in half-measures - carpeting the kitchen counters with cookies, muffins and butter tarts - a heavenly scent and sight on waking. A master of the BBQ, his roast beef and chicken will long be remembered. No one minds that he takes his recipe for peanut butter ham to the grave. He graduated from St. Frances Xavier in Nova Scotia with a Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy. A proud veteran of WWII he served aboard the HMCS Chicoutimi, Niagara, and Protector. When he migrated east to look for work he landed a job with Ontario Hydro where he worked for 40 years, accumulating many dear friends, adventures and tall tales. Tony had many interests. He played the fiddle at dances in Cape Breton and for friends in Thunder Bay. A football player and boxer in his youth, in later years he loved to ski at Mount Baldy and went on many trips and cruises with his wife Terry and friends. A devoted son, he and his wife and children spent many summers with his parents at the family farm. A devout Catholic, he was a founding member of Our Lady of Loretto, serving many times on parish council and reading during mass.After retirement, Tony became a stained glass artisan with Artisans Northwest and was in many of their shows before hanging up his grossers at age 80. His signature wreaths and kaleidoscopes can be found in many fashionable homes in Thunder Bay. In his final years he enjoyed visiting family and friends, and having coffee at the 55 plus club. Thanks to the devotion, patience and loving care of his son James and daughter in law Debbie, he lived in his own home until 6 months before his death at 90+ years.Tony was his own man. Those who knew him will greatly miss him; those who did not greatly missed out. When he had an opinion, he gave it freely. When he found something funny, he shared it (with a twinkle in those midnight blue eyes). When he sang, it was deeply, clearly, beautifully. He sang his favourite "Crying Time" often, and the day before he died. When someone was in need, he gave generously. When he was thankful, he expressed his gratitude freely and often. When he loved, he loved deeply. He was not a father whose "I love you" was implied. He said it always, every day, with warm, generous, bear crushing hugs.Since her passing four years ago, a day has not gone by without Tony mentioning his deep love for his late wife, our loving mother, Terry. We draw great comfort in knowing they are reunited in heaven and that he is at peace. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, October 14 from 6-8pm in the chapel of the Sargent & Son funeral home, 21 N. Court Street with a Vigil Service at 7pm. A Funeral mass for family and friends will be held Wednesday, October 15 at 1pm at Our Lady of Loretto Church celebrated by Rev. Frances Pudicherry. Entombment will follow in Our Lady of Charity Mausoleum. A lunch with friends will be held at Sargent and Son at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so can donate to Our Lady of Loretto Elevator Fund.Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com"