John "Jack" Bernard Coolen

The Coolen family sadly announce the passing of John B Coolen [Jack], age 95 of Prospect Village NS, on January 24th, 2026. Jack was a loving husband, father, a cherished brother, friend and a true gentleman. He was loved and will be missed by all who knew him. Born in Prospect, Jack was the son of the late George and Viola [Christian] Coolen.

In his early years he took on many responsibilities. This included fishing lobsters out of the family flat, spending summers helping his father maintain the lighthouse on Betty’s Island, repairing nets with his brother Weldon and eventually building the family home in the village with his friend Young Spike. Jack had many interests including a love for searching, purchasing, and selling cars and trucks. For over 15 years Jack spent his winters in Englewood Florida where he enjoyed warmer weather and spending valuable time with his daughter Julie , husband Tom and a multitude of Snowbird friends. In his later years Jack could be found listening to live music at the Prospect Road Community Centre.

Jack’s career in the Nova Scotia Provincial government spanned more than 25 years. He began his career in the early 1960’s as a procurement clerk at the Fairview Depot of the Department of Transportation, moving for a brief period into an accounting role in Windsor NS, and eventually retired in 1985 in Halifax in an accounting and procurement position with the Province. He maintained a Class B lobster license until his retirement with the Province then obtained a full 250 trap Class A lobster license and fished out of the “old red stage” in Prospect Village until the age of 70.

He is survived by his loving sister Clarissa [Leblanc]; his sons Daniel [Nora]; Timothy Power [Linda]; Patrick [Heather]; grandchildren [Ian, Kirk, Amy, Cory, Kayla]; great grandchildren [Evan, Olivia, Violet]; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by former wife and wonderful mother of his children, Kathleen Coolen [Power], and his second wife Joan Coolen [Foster]. He is also predeceased by his daughter Julie, brothers George, Paul, Weldon, and sister Regina.

A special thanks to his good friends Valerie, Elizabeth, Sue, Pamela, Jamie, Greg, Christopher, Will and Irene [England] and Fran and Earle. Thank you for always finding the time to call and visit Dad. While he enjoyed playing cribbage, his best times were spent reminiscing about the early days and sharing detailed accounts of many special memories. Thank you for taking such great care of Jack.

There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. The immediate family plans to hold a graveside service at a later date. Donations can be made in memory of Jack to Bayside Baptist Church, Feed Nova Scotia, or a charity of your choice.