John F. Kyte

934 Grand Lake Rd.

It is with great sadness that the family announce the passing of John Francis Kyte, October 23, 2011 at MacGillivray Guest Home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born August 23, 1917, John was the last surviving member of his family. He was the son of the late William and Mary (Minnie MacDonald) Kyte.

For the 46 years John was in business, he was a well known and highly respected Blacksmith and farrier in the Maritime Horse Racing circuit as well as a major force during the Golden Years of harness racing in Cape Breton from the 1950’s to the mid 1980’s. John started his career at 26 Douglas St. in Sydney and eventually built his own forge on Grand Lake Rd. in 1964. He loved his forge and loved the people who brought their horses. John earned great respect for his loyalty and dedication to hard work.

John took great pride in his family life and his home on Grand Lake Rd. He believed whole heartedly in education and encouraged his children to pursue as much education as possible. John never had much time for leisure activities, however, in his mid 60’s he took up cross country skiing and trout fishing and skied until he was 89 years old.

John is survived by daughter Florence (Adrian ) Dixon, Marion Bridge; sons William (Josie), Grand Lake Rd.; Harold (Colleen), Morrison Rd.; Kevin (Lynn), Dartmouth; grandchildren Cherie Kyte (Steve Lang), Los Angeles, California, Darlene Kyte, Grand Lake Rd., Shelley Kyte, Toronto, Darrell Kyte (Sarah Drodge), Halifax, Shane Dixon (Kim Connors), Cambridge, ON, Susan Kyte (Josh Chan), Oakville, ON, Devon Dixon (Courtney Sherwood), Dartmouth, Andrew and Jeffrey Kyte, Dartmouth; great grandchildren Mason Kyte Lang, Los Angeles; Bailee Dixon, Dartmouth and Lily Dixon, Cambridge, ON; sisters-in-law Peggy, Alice and Mary Kyte and special nieces and nephews who were a great part of his life.

Predeceased by the love of his life Peggy (Gouthro) after 65 years of marriage; grandson John William, sisters Alice and Ellen; brothers Edward, Birney, Charlie, Ralph and sister-in-law Lil.

At John’s request, cremation has taken place.

Funeral mass will be celebrated for John, Thursday, October 27 at 11 am at St. Theresa Church, Sydney. Reception to follow at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St. Interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.

Donations may be made to MacGillivray Guest Home, the Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Society.

Online condolences to www.twcurry.com