It is with great sadness that we announce Rev. Thomas Howard Lathigee, 85, of Windsor St., Sydney, formerly of Main-A-Dieu, passed away peacefully on Saturday February 9th, 2019, at CND Health Care Center in Sydney.
Born October 1st 1933, he was the son of the late Thomas and Rose (Burke) Lathigee. After graduating from St. FX in 1955, he attended Holy Heart Seminary in Halifax and was ordained to Priesthood May 23 1959 at St Ninian Cathedral, by Rev J.R. MacDonald, Bishop of Antigonish.
Father Tom, known to many as Father Howard, started his career as a parish priest at St. Anthony Daniel in Sydney in 1959. He also served at Immaculate Conception, Bridgeport; St. Joseph’s, SW Margaree; St. John’s, Glace Bay; Archdiocese of Halifax, St. Joseph’s, Dingwall; St. Margaret’s, St. Margarets Village; St. Margaret’s, Grand Mira; Star of the Sea, Canso; Dean of Gusyborough Deanery, SW and NE Margaree, St. Mary’s, Port Morien; St. Joseph’s, Reserve Mines, and retiring in 1999 Louisbourg and Mira Ferry Parishes. He was also the spiritual director of the CWL and the Chaplin of Branch 62 Legion. Although Fr. Tom retired in 1999, he continued to administer at St. Mary’s Polish Church in Whitney Pier, where he was proud to have acquired some of the polish language.
Fr. Tom took pride in his appearance and his passion for staying healthy and active. He enjoyed skating, hockey, snow shoeing, skiing, kayaking and canoeing and his daily walks in nature.
He played guitar and loved to sing. Fr. Tom joined a group “Circle of Friends” and played at various nursing homes in the city. He joined the choir at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys where he enjoyed both singing and friendships.
Fr. Tom is survived by his brother Arnold (Karen) Halifax, and Brother in law, John O’Halloran, Ottawa, and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by sisters, Leona, Thelma, Marguerite, Bernice and Rose Marina.
Special Thanks to the CND and staff, where he was compassionately cared for.
Visitation will take place Tuesday February 12, 2019 at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, from 2-4 pm, and a Prayer Vigil at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys at 7 pm. The funeral Mass will be held at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, with Bishop Brian Dunn officiating, on Wednesday February 13, 2019 at 11am. Reception to follow, with interment in Main-A-Dieu at a later date.
In Lieu of flowers, donations to St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, Main-A-Dieu Cemetery fund, or a charity of choice.
His final journey will take place under the support and guidance of TW Curry Parkview Chapel.
Online condolence may be left by visiting www.twcurry.com
