Obituary of John Teed

John Raymond "Gumper" Teed, age 54, of Piedmont, formerly of Spring Garden Road, Westville, passed away suddenly at work on Sunday, January 22, 2012 in Grand Prairie, Alberta. John was a son of Clara (Coulet) Teed and the late James Teed. He will be sadly missed by his companion Brenda O’Brien; daughters, Denise (Owen Sangster), MacLellan’s Mountain; Gina (Brian Austin), Stellarton; sons, Jared, Medicine Hat; Noah, MacLellan’s Mountain; step-children, Robbie and Breanna McLaughlin (Adam Brodanson); grandchildren, Mallory, Heidi, Grace, and Liam. He is also survived by his sisters, Marilyn Cyr (Doug), Westville; Katherine Baker (Alfie), Westville; brothers, Michael (Terry), Trenton; David (Marion), Westville; former wife Enid Marshall, Westville and several neices and nephews. He was predeceased, besides by his father, by his brother Charles. Visitation was held on Friday from 7-9 p.m. at Eagles Funeral Home, Westville. His funeral service was held 11 a.m. Saturday from the Church of the Holy Name, Westville with Father Gerald Campbell officiating. Family flower only. Donations in his memory may be made to a fund for his son Noah at the Scotiabank, Provost St., New Glasgow. "Our hearts broke when we heard of our dad’s passing. Our father was an avid outdoors man. He knew a little about everything, including gardening, farming, fishing, hunting, and agriculture in general. His love for nature was evident in everything he did. He was most comfortable in the woods and could tell you about everything in the forest. He was respected by all who had worked with him and was undoubtedly one of Pictou Co. best foresters. Our father found his passion in life, logging, it was not only his career, but a way of life for him. He believed in selective cutting and owned and operated his own company, a few times with horses as his gear. Our father could hunt and trap anything. He took us all on hunting and fishing expeditions. He taught me how to shoot a gun and skin a rabbit. Gina and Jared could tell you a tale or two about fishing with dad in Caledonia. Our dad loved all animals, big and small. Growing up with our father was always an adventure. We never knew what he would lug home, everything.... cows, horses, chickens, and goats (hence my love for goats). Our father was able to enjoy the simple things in life, he loved seeing his friends, playing guitar, and singing the blues, especially John Prine. Clam digging, combing beaches, looking for mushrooms in farmer’s fields, adventures in the woods, our dad lived and loved it all. Picking a cannister or blueberries or blackberries with his partner Brenda would put a smile on his face for days. Our father had " the gift of gab", he could talk you into anything, sell you anything, and was an amazing story teller, partly truth and partly b.s. (the dad we all knew), He was the life of all parties and everyone loved to see him come. Our father wasn’t perfect, but he marched to his own drum. His mother would say to me "Johnny blows in like the wind, and travels like it too". For most of us this is only a catch phrase we place in our stuffy office cubicles "Live for the Day, Seize the Moment". Money, objects and retirement were not important to him, living was. Our father lived one day at a time, some called him a free spirit. As a social worker, I do my best to do what is right, fair and just, to care about the underdog, to provide added support and go that extra mile for individuals and families. That wasn’t something I was taught during my studies, I inherited these traits from my father. Our father was kind, big hearted, forgiving, and never had an ill word to say about anyone. Our father loved hockey, his favourite team was, Pee Wee B Thorburn Golden Hawks and #87 was his pride and joy. He never missed a game. Dad you made a mark on us, taught us morals and values, allowed us to become the people we are today, without ever knowing it. You made your mark on Pictou Co. and beyond. You have touched the hearts of many. Papa is calling for you Dad, give a big hug and kiss to Charles for Nana and your brothers and sisters. I think God may have bitten off more than he could chew, now that a number of the Westville boys are back together ( Bruce MacLeod, Clyde and Ronnie Munroe, Joey Coulet, Dennis Marshall and Art MacEachern). God must be looking for someone to trim up his garden forest, and only the best would do. Love always your children, Jared, Gina, Noah, always you daughter Denise Teed