It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Peter Craig Sargent, aged 71 years. Peter passed away suddenly on September 1, 2019, in West Mabou, NS. Born in Quincy, Massachusetts on October 7, 1947, Peter was the son of the late Donald and Doris Sargent. He graduated from Quincy High School, then went on to Agricultural College at the University of Massachusetts and immigrated to Nova Scotia in 1974 with his loving wife and best friend Jeanne (Burke Sargent). He was a jack of all trades, working as a welder, herdsman and pulp cutter and was very involved in the Cursillio movement in previous years as well as an associate member of the CNDs (Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame), and is a former member of the Inverness County singers. Other than his wife, Peter leaves to mourn his five beloved children (of whom he was so proud): Andrew Sargent (Erinn Roy, West Mabou NS), Timothy Sargent (Amanda Campbell, AB), Evan Sargent (Sandy Race, Syracuse NY), Nora Jeanne Sargent and Neil Sargent. His pride and joy was being a grandpa to Grace, Alex, Natalie, Hannah and Cameron, all of whom will miss him dearly. He is also survived by one brother, James Douglas Sargent (Maureen Heinz) of Hanover, Massachusetts and a sister, Heather Sargent, of Quincy, Massachsetts, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Peter was a kind, gentle, happy soul who found pleasure from the simple things in life and saw humour where few would understand the joke. A master storyteller, Peter loved nothing more than sitting down for a chat and to exchange a few yarns. He particularly enjoyed the odd stop into the Ceilidh Fishermen’s Co-op to shoot the breeze with staff and local fishermen, as well as get in a few digs when the Boston Bruins or the Red Sox had beaten Toronto. He loved his Cape Breton home but was equally proud of his Celtic and American roots and, up until the last months of his life, went on morning walks along West Mabou Beach where, as a devoted follower of Jesus, he would say his prayers of gratitude and connect with his savior through nature. He was a hard-working woodsman and cut many a cord of pulpwood in his day.
Peter Sargent was a man of incredible physical and mental strength, profound intellect and insight, a lover of Irish literature and poetry, and took care to ensure that his children valued people and relationships over material things. In the weeks leading to his passing, Peter was blessed with a family reunion of all his children and grandchildren, and for him, there was no greater happiness than being surrounded by his loved ones.
As per Peter’s request, cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to the
compassionate care of Inverness Funeral Home. Visitation will take place in Port
Hood and Area Resting Place on Thursday September 5th from 4:00p.m.-9:00p.m. Funeral Mass will take place on Friday September 6 at 11:00 a.m.in St Peter’s Church, Port Hood, officiated by Father Vincent vanZutphen, followed by burial in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cape Breton Cancer Center and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
The family would like to thank all the first responders who tended to Peter at the scene of his accident, who did everything they could to bring Peter back to us, but it was not meant to be. We would also like to send a heartfelt thanks to the many neighbours, friends and community members who have reached out to us in our time of great need. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
