John "Jack" Edmund Hadley

Life is a journey and I have traveled far. It has been both an honour and pleasure to have inhabited this earth since April 4, 1952. I have accomplished much, the most important accomplishment was having Debbie (née Tonet) accept me as her husband of 30 years.

Debbie and I had a very unique relationship and we experienced much happiness in our lives together. Anyone close to us knew that we lived together, worked together, played together and loved together. During our 30 years, we did indeed experience good times and bad, for richer and poorer, in sickness and health. Debbie and I were pillars of strength and hope for one another in our greatest times of need. For this, I was and will forever be grateful.

We had much fun camping in the early years and evolved to a park model trailer in Grand Pré. We spent every available moment there and also enjoyed time with family in Cape Breton and our special place, Margaree Harbour.

Over the years, my family provided me with much love and entertainment, the stuff books could be written about. If one of you chooses to write a book someday, I would ask that you include my stories about the Billy Goat Song, BOOM BOOM, Ruined, and NFL.

I am proud to say I had three guardian angels during my time on earth, my long-time friend, Lester Chambers, my niece, Megan Tonet and my sister-in-law, Kathy MacDonald. Lester and Megan never ended their day without checking in with us to make sure we were okay and to say good night. Every time Kathy was in town, she came through our door with a smile, something delicious and many funny stories about the family. Then there was Marven MacKenzie. We met when we were eight-years-old playing on the streets in Fairview and became life-long friends.

I leave behind my three children; Jacqueline, Phillip and Graham Hadley, grandchildren Jayden, MacKynzee and Spencer, mother-in-law Kathy Tonet, sister and brother in-laws, Kathy (Dan) MacDonald, Andy Tonet, Sharon Tonet, Paul (Heather) Tonet, Brian Tonet, and several nieces and nephews. I was predeceased by my father, John Hadley, mother, Mabel (Parks) Hadley and brother, Scott Hadley, making me the last surviving member of my immediate family.

I want to extend a very special thank you to the staff at the Dartmouth General Hospital, including the palliative care team and VON who took great care of Debbie and I.

A celebration of life service for family and friends will be held at a later date in 2017. In lieu of sending flowers for those who wish to do so may donate to the Dartmouth SPCA.

One of my favourite sayings was always “it is what it is” and my passing is no different. As I travel forward on this new adventure I know there will be tears, but I hope my loved ones take solace knowing I will be in good hands.