Gordon Albert (Sonny) Cluett passed away at the Glace Bay Hospital on August 29, 2021 at the age of 90 years. Sonny was born on July 16, 1931, the second child of Bill and Myrtle Cluett, and grew up on Atlantic Street now Colby Street.
He was predeceased by his parents Myrtle and Bill, his partner Liz Flood of Saint John, NB, his brothers Bud (Vivian Daye)of Hudson, QC, Gerald of Sydney and his sister Elaine (Lou Macaulay ) to of Mahone Bay, NS. Sonny will be fondly remembered by his brother Jack (Veronica) of Picton, ON, ten nieces/nephews and twenty six grand nieces/nephews in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario and PEI, his Sydney support team of Neil Murchison and Annie MacKinnon, and Catherine (Daye) and Neil Vandeven as well as his many friends.
Sonny grew up in a loving family in the Hardwood Hill/Rockdale area. He excelled in sports and while in school played on Provincial championship teams in both hockey and basketball and won a track and field high jump event, setting a new provincial school record in the process. He was also involved in the Mira Boat Club races.
After graduating from the Sydney Academy, Sonny started his career in the ‘personnel’ department at the steel plant. During that period he was involved with the YMCA in Sydney, in particular with the Y’s Men’s club, and still had friends from that group to this day. He was later transferred by Dosco to the Halifax office, then to Montreal. Sonny also worked in human resources for Jenkins Valves in Montreal and eventually retired from a successful career as Vice president of Human Resources for Fisher-Scientific in Ottawa.
While living in Ottawa he purchased a cottage near the Mont Tremblant ski hill, north of Montreal, and managed to ski until he was in his 80’s.
As with most of us who had to leave Cape Breton for work, Cape Breton never left Sonny and he ultimately returned to the old family home on Colby Street. Since his arrival back home he was able to provide strong support for his younger brother Gerald and once again became involved in the community, in particular with the Golden K’s and his friends in a coffee club.
The family would like to thank management and staff of Parkland Cape Breton, especially those on the third floor, which was his home in the last year. He enjoyed his time there and It was comforting to know that everyone was kind and helpful to him. We would also like to thank the medical staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and the Glace Bay Hospital for their professional and caring help.
In keeping with Sonny’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a service will take place at St. Albans Church in Whitney Pier on Saturday October 23, 2021 with Rev. Myrna MacMullin, at 2pm.
To leave memories and condolences for the family please visit www.twcurry.com
If desired, memorial donations in Sonny’s name to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
