With broken hearts we announce the passing of John (Johnny) Blair Chesnutt of Rocklin in the early hours of Thursday August 22 in their home at the age of 71.
He was born in New Glasgow but his earliest memory was of coming from Mountville to Union Centre by tractor and wagon at the age of three. He grew up on a farm with a large number of siblings. He left home at the age of 15 and moved to Westville to live on Irving Street with a surrogate Mom, Marg MacIntoshand grew up with her boys.
He attended NSCC for one year of carpentry, worked at scaffolding in Newfoundland, and then started his life long career with heavy equipment operator and truck driving. There wasn’t a piece of machinery – dozers to excavators – that he could not operate. He had his own truck and business for several years and worked for various companies following that. He loved his job, but always wanted to be home at night in his own chair with his television and family. He was well known as an expert at his job and excelled in all he did. He was situation smart, studied the problem and knew just how to handle it. As he laughingly told everyone “I am the best”.
He lived a full life, often with difficulties cause by his own life style, but he never complained, accepted and dealt with the consequences of having a good time. Working until he was 70 was his goal and he was three months short when a detached retina interrupted his plans and various health problems arose.
Johnny was the son of the late Llyod and Isabel Chesnutt (Cameron). He married the love of his life Mary (Gordon) in 1984 and for 41 years they built a busy life adding two more children to their combined family. He is survived by his wife Mary; children Angela (Kenny, Olivia), Tracy (Stephanie), Jody (Meredith), Melanie (Mia), Mary Ellen (Mike, Simon, Lucas, Hannah, Willow), and Megan ( Tristan, Blake, Kaitlin, Jodi), siblings Jean, Bobby (Janie), Mike (Esther), Nancy (Al), Kelly (Beth), Ruthie, Trish, and Tony, brother in laws Jim and Ron Gordon, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, in laws David and Treva Gordon, siblings Jim, George, Cathy and Joanie.
The family would like to thank his NP Jessica Sharpe and the VON for their excellent support; in particular- Kathy, Lori-Anne, Lyndsey and Melissa. A very special thank you to his friends Kevin and Tanya, Gordon, Darren, Bob, Jeff, Frank, Bert and Marinus whose frequent calls / visits kept him informed of what was going on in the county plus the added bonus of recounting stories from the past.
He is resting at Eagles Funeral Home with visitation on Wednesday August 27 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. The funeral will be from Eagles Chapel on Thursday August 28 at 11 am. Burial will take place in Mill Brook Cemetery with reception at Mill Brook Community Club following.
If desired, donations can be made to the Mill Brook Cemetery. Family flowers only please.