Wilbur "Sonny" Edwin Mac Tavish

Born on February 20, 1939, in Sydney, NS, Sonny was predeceased by his wife, Carmelita, who he loved deeply and thought of every day following her passing 26 years ago. He was the son of the late Wilbur and Ada Mac Tavish and was also predeceased by his sister, Anne (Guelph, ON), and brothers Carl (Etobicoke, ON), Brian (Stouffville, ON), and William “Billy” (Sydney, NS).

Sonny enjoyed a successful lifelong career in television at CJCB/CTV, starting right out of high school and finishing as Station Manager over 40 years later. He felt lucky to love the work he did, especially when it led him to volunteer with the first Christmas Daddies in 1974, which became a great passion for him and brought many cherished memories and friendships.

A true Cape Bretoner, Sonny was someone who could strike up a conversation with anyone and treated strangers like friends and friends like family. He never missed an opportunity to share a story over coffee, share his love of Motown music, or help those around him. Known for his quick wit and sarcasm, Sonny’s presence was felt in every room he was in, and his one-of-a-kind personality left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Most of all, Sonny deeply loved and cherished his family. He enjoyed spending weekends away together, trying new restaurants and good food, and he never missed an opportunity to brag about his grandchildren and, most recently, his great-grandchildren. His family was his pride and joy.

Sonny is survived by his daughters, Terry (Andrew) and Kimberly; granddaughters Megan (Teddy) and Courtney (RJ), who affectionately knew him as Papa; and great-grandchildren William and Sunny, who knew him as GP.

A celebration of Sonny’s life will be held at JA Snow Funeral Home in Halifax on Friday, May 29, from 2:00–4:00 p.m., and at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel on Sunday, May 31, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Christmas Daddies Cape Breton at ChristmasDaddies.org.

“I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day”