John Russell Lynk

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing on June 12, 2013 of John Russell Lynk, a truly and wonderful father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. John R. Lynk was born in Bridgeport NS April 4, 1921. He was the son of John R. Lynk, Sr. and Ethel (Knox) Lynk. He was predeceased by his father and mother, only son: Kevin; sisters: Mary, Helen, and Marjorie. He is survived by his grand-children; Yuri and Sonya, a sister: Betty Whitney of Seaview Manor; niece: Rev. Nancy Whitney; nephew: Dale Whitney of Oshawa and Gary Whitney, Glace Bay; also lovingly remembered by the family of Billy, Sandra McKillop and long time friendship with the Odell family.

John worked at the 1-B Colliery, Glace Bay in 1940. This was interrupted by World War II when he joined the Army in 1942. He was stationed in Aldershot, NS. As an Instructional Sergeant, he opted for a demotion to Private so that he could be involved with the Allies who launched the Second Front in Europe. He served with the Queen’s Own Rifles and spent time at the Front in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. He was wounded twice and was at the Front again for the third time. With the victory in Europe he again signed- up for the Pacific Campaign. He was the first troop ship back from Europe. He was Acting Sergeant Major reporting to Fort Benning in the United States at the time the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. His Force was disbanded after this time. John was Honourably discharged October 1945. He returned to the coal mines on arrival in Cape Breton.

John became an active member of United Mine Workers Local 4520 1-B. Thereafter he became active with the labour scene in Cape Breton. He enrolled in a number of courses at the Peoples School, Extension Department & Institute of Public Affairs at Dalhousie University in Halifax. For 5 years he was recording Secretary of his local union and served as President for 3 years. In the election year-1956, he campaigned as a candidate for the C.C.F. party. He was President of the Cape Breton Labour Council, and Vice-President for the C.B. Canadian Congress Labour Federation. With the merger of the 2 Congresses in 1956, he served until 1963, after which he was transferred to New Glasgow.

In August 1957, he left coal mining to become a Business Agent for Local 596 Retail Wholesale. He was appointed International Representative and during his years with the union, the membership grew from 250 members to over 3,000 members. In 1964 he was elected President of the N.S. Federation Labour and was a member for a time of 10 years. He was a member of the Executive Council of the Canadian Labour Congress, as well as a member of the International Board of then RWDSU. Upon resigning, he was honoured for service and dedication. He was named Honourary Life President of the Federation for his service of 10 years. During the time he lived in New Glasgow, he was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and served as Executive & Building Committee of Abercrombie Golf & Country Club. He also served as a member of the Executive Committee of the New Glasgow Credit Union. He was a Founding Member of Pictou County District in Charge of Consumer Co-op which was a highly successful Co-op.

In 1970, John’s leadership proved invaluable with the reorganization of the Trawler Fishermen of N.S. About this time, TF of N.S. were on strike against the companies who fished off-shore to gain union recognition. The strike lasted 9 ,months and at that time the province underwent some of its greatest labour strikes. John steered the labour movement through the period, despite threats of organized strikes of the workers.

John served in many capacities in the labour movement: He was a member of the N.S. Labour Relations Board for 8 years, Member of Labour- Management Joint Study Committee of Nova Scotia; he served 2 terms as member of the Atlantic Development Council; President of the N.B. Federation of Labour and was responsible for the establishment of the highly successful Atlantic Region Labour Education Centre at St. Francis Xavier University and He was a first Chairman of the Board and a member of the N.S. Centennial Planning committee. He was a recipient of the Centennial Medal. He was secretary and advisor to the McKay Inquiry in trouble with the Glace Bay Heavy Water Plant. John served 2 years with the McKay Commissions on the M.L.A.’s Remuneration. He was a Labour Representative on the original Hospital Insurance Commission and also made recommendations to the Provincial Government regarding its start-up. John was offered a full- time position with the Canadian Labour Relations Board in 1975. However, he declined this honour. He was an elected officer to the Coal Miners’ Union Office for a period of 24 years.

He was appointed Chairman of the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia in 1977. John retired in 1985.

John was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 78, Dominion and was President from 1953 to 1955. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 3, Glace Bay.

For his years of service to the legion, he received the Century of Service Award.

John was very active in most sports: baseball, hockey, curling and most especially, his love of golf.

John R. Lynk aspired to the man he became- he spent a lifetime of distinguished service to his fellowman as a soldier, coal miner, labour and union representative in all positions. He was rewarded with many honours for his dedication, love of his country, fellow workers, friends and especially his family.

John’s last years were spent in Taigh Na Mara Veterans Unit in Glace Bay. Many thanks and appreciation to Sheila Prendergast and Brenda Younger O.T. Dept., the nursing staff for their efficiency and thoughtfulness. Thank You to all who were visitors and friends, alike.

Cremation has taken place. There will be a Memorial service on June 29th 2013, at 1:30pm at Patten Funeral Home, 71 Union St, Glace Bay N.S. Reception will follow at R.C. Legion Branch 3. Family requested donations only to Taigh Na Mara Memorial Fund C/O C.B. District Health Authority, 1482 George St. Sydney, N.S. B1P 1P3. Online condolences can be left for family at www.pattenfuneral.com.