It is with broken hearts that we, the family of John Leonard Vance, of New Glasgow, announce his passing on May 12th, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Thorburn, he was a son of the late Donald and Sarah Vance.
He is survived by his wife, Anne Louise; son, Donald (Ale), New Glasgow; daughter, Connie Camus (Aurel), Calgary, AB; brother, Richard, Foxbrook; sisters: Tena Darroch (Jack), Whitby, ON; Donna Ehler, Thorburn; and Connie Murdock (Brent), Stewiacke; father-in-law, Percy Hayne, Pictou Landing; brother-in-law, Percy Hayne (Mary Gorman), Merigomish; grandchildren: Lindsay Vance, Westville; Johnathon Vance, Cape Breton; Shelby Camus (Serge), Calgary, AB; Mandy Camus, Calgary, AB; Ben Vance, New Glasgow; Georgie Vance, New Glasgow; great-grandchildren: Amber, Jensen, Jessie, Elena, and baby Catherine; and honorary granddaughter, Danielle Boudreau.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by son, Frank Leonard Vance and daughter, Catherine "Kit" Vance; sisters-in-law: Janet Vance and Colleen Dowding; brother-in-law, Dougie Ehler.
John was a self-made man serving the people of Pictou County for over 50 years with John L Vance Heating and Plumbing. The interaction of people he met daily gave him pleasure and enjoyment.
John’s true passion was his family, whom he loved very deeply and never swayed in his devotion to them. He was the pillar of strength and the heart of the family. He will be truly missed and his absence will never be filled.
He was an avid lover of nature and loved numerous stray animals, even taking them home for a better life. He enjoyed his weekly walks on the beach with his dog, Acie.
John was an inductee to the Nova Scotia and New Glasgow Sports Hall of Fame, with playing baseball with the Thorburn Mohawks. He was a supporter of many sports teams over the years. He was a private benefactor to many charities and organizations within the county. He was also an avid collector of antiques and books, especially regarding Pictou County history.
Arrangements and cremation have been entrusted to R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow. Visitation will take place from 2-4 and 7-9 pm Sunday, May 15 with a Celebration of Life at 11 am Monday, May 16, all at R.H. Porter Funeral Home. Masks are recommended for those attending. A link to a recording of the funeral is below. Donations may be made to our local SPCA.