Tough, John William – It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of our father, William Tough, age 91 of West Pennant. He passed away after a short illness on September 30, 2023 in the QE11, VG site, Halifax.
Born in West Pennant, Halifax County, he was a son of the late Joseph William and Guida Lillian (Marryatt) Tough. He was married for 64 years to his beloved wife, Joan (Jennex) until her passing in 2021.
William started a long career as a fisherman at the young age of 12 helping to support his family. This dedication lasted 62 years until his well-deserved retirement. For many years he was Captain of the family owned longliners and was a well-known swordfish and lobster fisherman. His long and distinguished career in the fishing industry also included terms on the Fisheries Loan Board where his valued insight supported others in the fishery. He was an accomplished shipwright and designed and built several of his own Cape Island style boats for the inshore fishery. His carpentry skills were exceptional. Time to relax was spent at the camp at Ragged Lake where he and Joan spent many hours on the water trout fishing. Our home and the camp were open and welcoming to family and friends where they enjoyed many hours together in the true Maritime way. William and his best friend, Brenton Gray were known to share lots of storytelling and laughter along with occasionally playing the accordion and harmonica together. William’s greatest pride and joy was his family. We were blessed to have such a caring and generous Dad. William will be remembered by his family as a most honourable and dedicated man who always put himself second and put family first regardless of the circumstances. We loved him dearly and he will be missed. Thank you Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad for all the values you instilled in us and we will carry your spirit forward each day.
William leaves behind his daughters, Cathy (Douglas) Robertson, Judy (Bill) Spears, Mandy (Donny) Hart, Elaine Tough and Sharon (Allie) Hart; grandchildren, Derek (Caroline) Robertson, Alex Robertson, Tracy (Mark) Blanchard, Melissa Spears (Kevin), Mark Spears (Meaghan), Greg Spears, Kady (Douglas) Myers, Brandon (Maria) Hart, Abby (Justin) MacGillivray, Maggie (Jacob) LeBlanc, Julia (Ryan) Munden; great-grandchildren, Kate, Ava, Connell, Sebastian, Rachel, Theo, Casey, Max, Evie, Jack, Warren, Eloise, Isla and another great-grandchild arriving in December; sisters, Jean, Betty and Colleen (Phil); brothers, Leo (Peggy), George (Shirley), David (Karen), Mike (Irene) and Paul (Marilyn). He leaves behind many special in-laws, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; wife, Joan; grandson, David Hart; great-granddaughter, Millie Robertson; son-in-law, Derek Delamere; sisters, Mary, Anna and Theresa; brother, Patrick.
A Celebration of Life for both William and Joan will be held on November 12, 2 – 4 p.m., in Ketch Harbour Community Centre. A private family burial will take place in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Ketch Harbour.
A message of condolence for the family may be left by posting your comment as a guest in the area below.
