HISTORIC WABANA FACEBOOK GROUP BLOG
by Gail Hussey-Weir
Created Nov. 2021/Updated May 30, 2023
by Gail Hussey-Weir
Created Nov. 2021/Updated May 30, 2023
Welcome to this blog, which I created on Nov. 8, 2021 as a way for Bell Islanders near and far who are not members of my Facebook Group "Historic Wabana Nfld" to continue to see some of the things posted there after the Group went from a "Public" group to "Private."
In this Blog, you will see some of the things that you would see on my FB group if you were a member. You won't be able to comment here in real time like you would on the FB group, but if you want to share your thoughts on anything you see, or even send in your own photos to be included here, you can do so by emailing me (Gail) at: historic.wabana@gmail.com.
Just as you would see on the FB Group, the latest posts are shown first. Unlike the FB Group, you will see buttons next to some posts. You can click on the button provided to read more about the subject at hand. When you are finished, just click the back arrow in the top left corner of the page to return to this Blog.
In this Blog, you will see some of the things that you would see on my FB group if you were a member. You won't be able to comment here in real time like you would on the FB group, but if you want to share your thoughts on anything you see, or even send in your own photos to be included here, you can do so by emailing me (Gail) at: historic.wabana@gmail.com.
Just as you would see on the FB Group, the latest posts are shown first. Unlike the FB Group, you will see buttons next to some posts. You can click on the button provided to read more about the subject at hand. When you are finished, just click the back arrow in the top left corner of the page to return to this Blog.
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106 men & boys, & one woman, lost their lives in various mining-related accidents over the lifetime of the Wabana Mines.
The past year has been spent writing accounts of these 107 who were company employees working in the mines, at the piers, or in other parts of the operation when they were killed. Photos of victims and their headstones found online are included. If you have photos, or if you have more information about any of these fatalities, or know of one I missed, please get in touch at historic.wabana@gmail.com. View the page of mining-related fatality accounts by clicking the button below: |
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Obituary for John Galway, May 27, 2023, age 73.
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Passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 27, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, John Galway of Bell Island in his 74th year. Our dad was a very humble, patient, loving, and caring person; he gave with a big heart and wanted nothing in return. He had the ability to make all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren feel as if each was his favourite. Our hearts are broken but our memories will last forever. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Galway; brothers, Mike and Gabe; sister, Marg; and in-laws, Rick, Marie, Billy, and Bob. Leaving to mourn with loving memories his loving wife of 55 years, Gloria (Brown); his children, Rick (Joanne), Tina Durdle (Gordon), Kim (Steve), John; his grandchildren, Nikki, Chris, Kara, Megan, Amber, Jillian, JT, Logan, Ricky, Alyssa, Madison; great-grandchildren, Hailey, Justin, Rylee, Declan; his many brothers and sisters, Diane, Alice, Eileen, Raymond, Cynt, Carol, Paul; his aunt, Marg (Brazil) Skehans; and many more family and friends. Resting in Pendergast’s Funeral Home today, Tuesday, May 30th from 4-9 p.m. Cremation has taken place at his request. Funeral service to take place in St. Michael’s Parish on Wednesday, May 31st at 2 p.m. Reception to follow in St. Michael’s Parish Hall.
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Obituary for Benedict Hammond, May 25, 2023, age 75.
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March 19, 1948 – May 25, 2023 Passed peacefully away with family by his side, May 25, 2023. Predeceased by his parents, Matthew and Bridget (Mackey) Hammond; sister, Catherine (McLean) and brother, Richard; in-laws, James and Mary Delahunty. Leaving to mourn, his wife, Eileen (nee Delahunty) to whom he would be married 50 years this August; his two sons, Benedict and Jonathan (Ericka); loving grandchildren, Ethan, Avery, James and Johanna; brother, Martin (Elaine) and sister, Isabelle (Sam Winsor); sister’s in-law, Evelyn Fitzpatrick, Genevieve Power (Bill), Joan Normore, Patricia King and Maisie Hammond; brother’s in-law, Peter Delahunty and Kevin Delahunty (Irene); nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. Ben lived with Parkinson’s disease and eventually succumbed to complications at the Health Sciences Centre. Cremation has taken place. We would like to thank his neurologist, Dr. Goodridge; the long-term care staff of the Dr. Walter Templeman Health Centre; the care staff of fourth floor south and his health care team at the Health Sciences Centre. Visitation to take place Monday, May 29th, from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at Pendergast’s Funeral Home. Mass to take place at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, Town Square, Bell Island at 2 p.m. Interment at the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Lance Cove, Bell Island. Reception to follow at St. Michael’s Hall, Town Square, Bell Island. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice.
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Obituary for Wayne Churchill, May 25, 2023, age 69.
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Mr. Wayne Churchill passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the Dr. L.A. Miller Centre, St. John’s on his 69th birthday May 25, 2023. He leaves to mourn his loving family: Loving Wife: Norma Churchill; Children: Andrew & Sarah (David); Grandsons: Tristan & Myles; Siblings: Linda (Don), Rev (Marina), John (Geraldine) & Doreen (Mike); Brother in law: Rendell, as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives & friends. Predeceased by: Parents: Daniel & Pearl;
Siblings: Gail & Gary.
Wayne was born on Bell Island. He moved with his family to Spaniards Bay and lived with his own family in Conception Bay South until he passed. He worked in St. John’s most of his life and retired at the age of 60. Every summer for 30 years he played softball with The Molson CBS Masters Softball League. He loved the annual lobster boil with a close group of friends, the annual Turks Gut Long Pond Horseshoe Tournament, the annual fall hunting trip with the guys, and berry picking. He also travelled the world with his wife. When Covid hit and air travel got shut down, he purchased a side-by-side so he and Norma could travel Newfoundland by trail with his brothers and their friends.
Wayne was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was kind, compassionate, hardworking and honest: a true gentleman. According to his wishes cremation has taken place. The family will be receiving relatives and friends at Slade’s Funeral Home, Spaniards Bay on Sunday: 2:30 -5 P.M. & 7-9 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 29, 2023 at 11A.M. from Slade’s Funeral Home, Spaniards Bay with interment to follow at the Maul Tree Hill Cemetery, Spaniards Bay. In lieu of flowers, as expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in his loving memory to A Charity of One’s Choice. Condolences may be written to the family at: sladesfuneralhome.ca , on the Memory Wall section of the obituary. For further information please call Slade’s Funeral Home, Spaniards Bay at 786-1613.
Siblings: Gail & Gary.
Wayne was born on Bell Island. He moved with his family to Spaniards Bay and lived with his own family in Conception Bay South until he passed. He worked in St. John’s most of his life and retired at the age of 60. Every summer for 30 years he played softball with The Molson CBS Masters Softball League. He loved the annual lobster boil with a close group of friends, the annual Turks Gut Long Pond Horseshoe Tournament, the annual fall hunting trip with the guys, and berry picking. He also travelled the world with his wife. When Covid hit and air travel got shut down, he purchased a side-by-side so he and Norma could travel Newfoundland by trail with his brothers and their friends.
Wayne was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was kind, compassionate, hardworking and honest: a true gentleman. According to his wishes cremation has taken place. The family will be receiving relatives and friends at Slade’s Funeral Home, Spaniards Bay on Sunday: 2:30 -5 P.M. & 7-9 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 29, 2023 at 11A.M. from Slade’s Funeral Home, Spaniards Bay with interment to follow at the Maul Tree Hill Cemetery, Spaniards Bay. In lieu of flowers, as expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in his loving memory to A Charity of One’s Choice. Condolences may be written to the family at: sladesfuneralhome.ca , on the Memory Wall section of the obituary. For further information please call Slade’s Funeral Home, Spaniards Bay at 786-1613.
Obituary for Keith Roger Sweeney Feb 10, 1974 – May 17, 2023, age 49:
It is with heavy hearts that we announce Keith Roger Sweeney has peacefully passed away surrounded by family & friends at the Dr. Walter Templeman Health Care Centre on Bell Island,
Keith was a Loving Husband, The best father, son, brother & uncle, He was a friend to many and loved by all.
Keith leaves behind to mourn his parents Donald Sweeney & Ange-Aimee (Demontigny) Sweeney, his loving wife of 30 years Kathleen Sweeney, in law parents Edith & Donald Hammond, his two loving children Exaviour (Richard), Kevin (Kiara), his Sisters Gail (Ken), Annette (George), Kim (Rendell), brother Mike (Karen), brother-in-law Stephen (Georgina). Also leaving to mourn his 7 nephews, 3 nieces, 6 great-nephews, 3 great-nieces, aunts ,uncles, and cousins, as well as his close friends Darryl George, Cheyenne Chicoyne, Shane Kenny, Sean Clarke, Gerry Snow, Ben Noseworthy, Kevin Bartlett and many more friends and family.
Keith’s family would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, paramedics and staff of Dr. Walter Templeman Health Care Centre.
Cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral service.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Keith Sweeney, Saturday May 27th, 2023, 2:00pm, 65 Lance Cove Rd.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce Keith Roger Sweeney has peacefully passed away surrounded by family & friends at the Dr. Walter Templeman Health Care Centre on Bell Island,
Keith was a Loving Husband, The best father, son, brother & uncle, He was a friend to many and loved by all.
Keith leaves behind to mourn his parents Donald Sweeney & Ange-Aimee (Demontigny) Sweeney, his loving wife of 30 years Kathleen Sweeney, in law parents Edith & Donald Hammond, his two loving children Exaviour (Richard), Kevin (Kiara), his Sisters Gail (Ken), Annette (George), Kim (Rendell), brother Mike (Karen), brother-in-law Stephen (Georgina). Also leaving to mourn his 7 nephews, 3 nieces, 6 great-nephews, 3 great-nieces, aunts ,uncles, and cousins, as well as his close friends Darryl George, Cheyenne Chicoyne, Shane Kenny, Sean Clarke, Gerry Snow, Ben Noseworthy, Kevin Bartlett and many more friends and family.
Keith’s family would also like to thank the doctors, nurses, paramedics and staff of Dr. Walter Templeman Health Care Centre.
Cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral service.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Keith Sweeney, Saturday May 27th, 2023, 2:00pm, 65 Lance Cove Rd.
