Obituary of Jean Maurice Belland

Belland, Jean Maurice (Moe), age 83, of Antigonish, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2014 at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home with his family at his side. Moe was born on August 18, 1931 in Saskatoon, the second of five boys to Marjorie (MacDonald) and David Belland. With his father a bricklayer and his mother a school teacher, Moe developed strong values for hard work and education. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1953 with a degree in geology. He immediately started working in the mining industry in several locations including Schefferville, Quebec and Labrador City. Moe spent most of his career in Bathurst, New Brunswick as a geologist with Noranda, and with the Mines Branch of the Department of Natural Resources. He was passionate about his career as a geologist, but even more passionate about his hobby as a prospector. Moe acquired quite a collection of rocks that took up a lot of living space! He also enjoyed many sports, camping and singing in the senior choir. Moe will be remembered as a great husband and father, a calm, intelligent, supportive family man and a great friend to many, as he had a personality that was impossible not to like. Moe will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Marie (nee MacKenzie) and his children Edie (Merrell), Vancouver; Michael, Halifax; Gregory (Kathy), Trail, B.C; John (Karen), Nelson, B.C.; grandchildren Christina, Caitlin, Andi, Brynn, and Ben; as well as son-in-law Mauro Grespan and sisters-in-law Eleanor Belland and Patsy-Lee Belland. He was predeceased by his son Alan; and brothers Fr. Donald, Raymond, Gregory and Arthur. Moe’s family would like to thank the staff of the High-Crest Sherbrooke Nursing Home as well as the staff of the R.K. MacDonald Home for their amazing support and the care of Moe during these last months. Cremation has taken place and funeral will be under the direction of MacIsaac Funeral Home; on Saturday, December 20th, at 11am at St. Ninian’s Cathedral. Reception to follow. Donations in memory of Moe may be made to the R.K. MacDonald Foundation or a charity of your choice. Family flowers only.