Obituary of Albert Joseph Connors

Link to Funeral Mass https://youtu.be/vTXGQxYSl84

Link to Committal Service   https://youtu.be/nHWBqa56wxg

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Albert Joseph Connors of Clydesdale, Nova Scotia.  With family by his side, he peacefully left us on October 24, 2020 at St Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish.  Predeceased by his parents Richard and Christina Connors, daughter-in-law, Ria; Al is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Mary Pat, their two sons Vincent (Marion) of Toronto and Brian of Hubbards, NS; and his large MacDonald family.

Al always had a positive outlook on life and all that it entailed. He enjoyed his family, his animals, nature and education.  He welcomed all company with open arms and liked a good movie every now and then. Being a devout Catholic, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1105 and was always present to help anyone in need.

Following High School Al attended St Martha’s School of Medical Lab Technology.  This new career saw him transfer to Inverness, Nova Scotia where he met the love of his life, Mary Patricia MacDonald.  A new employment opportunity took the young couple to Michigan, where both Vincent and Brian were born.  The long-distance from Detroit to Nova Scotia had the Connors’ missing home and in 1977 the family moved back to Clydesdale where they settled in Al’s childhood homestead.

Now back home Al attended St FXU where he obtained his Chemistry degree and stayed on as a researcher in the chemistry department.  Throughout his life he maintained a keen interest in the forestry industry and the Connor’s large property was annually cultivated for Christmas trees.  Most were sent south of the border, but many were sold locally, and generations of local families may recall coming out to the mountain at the end of Connors Road for their yearly tree.  

Mary Pat and Al ran a successful greenhouse for several years, but the last 17 years saw them find the perfect fit for them both operating the beautiful Azelia Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast. The couple welcomed travelers from across the globe into their home to enjoy their slice of heaven on the mountain. 

Growing up roaming the hills and countryside of Clydesdale, an animal was never far from Al’s side his entire life.  Whether it was a dog, cat, alpaca or llama, he always ensured they were taken care of and he greatly enjoyed their company. 

There will be no visitation.  Funeral mass will be at 11:00am Saturday, November 14 in St Ninian’s Cathedral with Rev Donald MacGillivary presiding. Covid 19 protocols will be in place. A video link to the funeral will be available here following the funeral. Donations in Al’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada or St. Martha’s Palliative Care. www.MacIsaacs.ca