It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend, Joel Nathan Denny Jr. (Chico), 49 of Eskasoni First Nation on December 22nd of 2024 at Cape Breton Regional Hospital (ICU).
He was born on 11th April 1975 in Sydney NS. Well known as Chico, he was the son of late Joel Denny Sr. and late Nancy Bernard.
Chico was a carpenter by trade and was mostly self employed. He enjoyed working carpentry alongside with his father and brothers. He did take some contract jobs from the Eskasoni Band. He worked as a store clerk for several years. Chico mastered the making of the traditional Mi’kmaq Waltes “Atestaqnk”, and proudly passed on this trade to his son.
He was a traditional Mi’kmaq chanter, dancer and athlete. Chico performed across Canada, and United States, with the ‘Kitpu Singers’ and the ‘Denny Family Dancers’. Chico acted in the movie ‘Squanto’ as an extra and a chanter. He especially enjoyed attending and performing at Pow Wows with his family and friends. In his 20’s, Chico placed 1st in a Mi’kmaq marathon which involved: canoeing, archery, and distant running.
Chico was caring and generous. He would give someone in need his last dollar just to help. He enjoyed going to movies, making jokes and making people laugh. Loved playing golf (in his earlier days), pool, Final Fantasy, and Call of Duty Modern Warfare III. He loved the scenery and had fun been driven around in his brother’s side by side. Chico was full of forgiveness and love. His last words to everyone were “I love you”!
He is survived by: his children Devon Johnson, Kindra (Sheila Bell) Bernard of PEI, and Joel the 3rd ‘Chico jij’ Denny ; his grandchildren Aeona Knockwood and Marceline Knockwood; his former wife Sarah Cabot and her children Marren and Logan; his brothers Jonathan Jeffery ‘J.J.’ Denny, James ‘Jay’ (Vicky) Denny, Joshua ‘Josh’ Denny, Richard Denny, William Bernard, Kiwnig Denny, Pie’l Herney, Dion Bernard, Kwimu Denny, and Aluk Denny; his sisters Sherisse (Quentin) Sylliboy, Dr. Jesse Benjamin, and Didies Denny; his step mother Lisa Denny; his godchildren Chase Denny, Mya (Reggie) Sack, Sharona Gloade, Faith Bernard, Stephanie Googoo, Shawdai Isadore, Melody Mae Battiste, Merissa Jeddore, and Jordan Cabot; his aunts, nephews, nieces, and many cousins; And the ‘Kitpu Singers’ members.
He was predeceased by his parents Joel Denny Sr and Nancy Bernard, paternal grandparents Noel R Denny and Sarah (Johnson) Denny, maternal grandparents James Bernard and Rita (Poulette) Aucoin, maternal step grandfather Eddie Aucoin and nieces Ansale’wit Denny Battiste and Hayley Denny Battiste.
Visitation will be held starting Thursday at 7pm, 9th January 2025, at the Gabriel Centre in Eskasoni (basement of the Eskasoni Holy Family Church). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Church, on Saturday, 11th January 2025, at 10am. Fr. Antolin Asor officiating, with a burial to follow in the parish cemetery. A feast and salite will follow the day’s events. To leave memories and condolences please visit twcurry.com.
