Obituary of Merlin Joseph Boudreau

Boudreau, Merlin Joseph (68) of Louisdale. It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we the family announce the passing of Merlin after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday September 29, 2015 at the Strait Richmond Hospital with his loving family by his side. Born in Sydney; Merlin was the eldest son of the late Harry and Theresa (MacRae) Boudreau. Prior to retirement, Merlin was a safety officer with Zutphen Contractors and Nordlys Environmental, he also worked at the Richmond County Development Corporation, and as a buyer for the Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.(AECL). Merlin was a devout member of the St. Louis Parish, he was a charter member of the Louisdale Lions' Club, the Louisdale Volunteer Fire Dept. and enjoyed volunteering in the Cape Breton Cursillo movement, DeColores! Throughout his life time, Merlin enjoy being with others, especially when it involved some of his favorite things to do like; hunting, playing hockey, playing cards, travelling, planning the annual family and friend pig roast and most importantly enjoying all that the Bras D'or Lakes had to offer to him at his special place in Dundee. Merlin will be remember for his infectious laugh; he was an avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching many sports on TV like golf, curling, the Blue Jays as they make their run for the World Series and his all-time favorite hockey team the Montreal Canadians, Left to mourn his loss are his children, Treena (Roberto) Gigante, Milton ON; Adrian (Natasha Dorey) of Louisdale; his companion and confidante Beatrice (Viola) Shadbolt and her family Joseph (Joey), Debbie, Jillian and Jessica Shabolt of Halifax. He will be greatly missed by his beloved Granddaughter, MacKenzie. He was so very proud of all three girls. Merlin is survived by his two brothers Derek (Phyllis) of Sydney, Paul (Connie) of Louisdale, sisters-in-law Alice Lawson, brother-in-law Raymond Lawson both of Balls Creek, Carol Gardener (Lawson) Florida, and the families of his nieces and nephews. Merlin will also be missed by his and Brenda's extended family of cousins, Viola's brothers and sisters and their respective families. He is predeceased by his wife of 38 years Brenda (Lawson), in-laws Douglas and Cordella (Lewis) Lawson and brother-in-law Gordon Lawson. Visitation will be held in the Glen Sampson Room, Louisdale on Friday October 2nd 2015 from 2-4 &7-9 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday October 3rd, 2015, at 11:00 a .m. in St. Louis Parish Church, Louisdale with Father Doug MacDonald officiating. Burial to follow in St. Louis Parish Cemetery. A reception will be held in St. Louis Parish Hall following the burial. Donations in memory of Merlin can be made to the St. Louis Parish Renovation Fund, the Strait Richmond Hospital Palliative Care Unit or a charity of your choice. The family would like to thank Dr. Ron MacCormick, the nurses and staff at St. Martha's Cancer Center, the Strait Richmond Hospital Palliative Care Unit as well as his family doctor Dr. Lawrence MacNeil for their care, kindness and compassion, it will always be remembered. Merlin will be forever missed and lovingly remembered always. Gone much too soon. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to, C.H. Boudreau Funeral Home Ltd, Arichat. To send words of comfort to the family or to light a candle in memory of Merlin please visit, www.chboudreau.com