Obituary of J.Clyde Nunn Jr.

J. Clyde Nunn Jr., who loved with a big heart, spoke with a big voice, and lived for big family gatherings, died suddenly Monday, February 27, at his home in Antigonish, a town to which he was devoted. He was 63. 

Clyde’s career included roles in banking, business, radio, and political communications. A business graduate of St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish in 1982, Clyde worked as a student DJ at CJFX, the radio station founded by the university and his father, J. Clyde Sr.  Clyde was 11 when he lost his father, but his dad’s broadcasting/political career was a source of immense pride and inspiration throughout Clyde’s life.  

A committed political supporter from a young age, Clyde was local association president for the Liberal party and was often consulted by party members and elected officials for his deep knowledge of party and political matters. He became communications advisor for Nova Scotia Liberal party leader Sandy Cameron as he sought to be premier in the mid-1980s. 

Clyde went on to work for the head office of Scotiabank in Toronto before heart problems led to his returning home to Nova Scotia. After living and working in Halifax/Dartmouth, he moved back to Antigonish, where he worked again at CJFX Radio as a copy writer.

Managing diabetes since childhood, Clyde’s health challenges didn’t dimmish his larger-than-life personality. Wickedly funny, he could be boisterously animated; a force to be reckoned with. He loved a good verbal duel.

Clyde will be remembered for his impressive presence at any celebration. He was generous to a fault, capable of showing great kindnesses and loved to give gifts. His wit, edged humour, big smile and grand approach to all things could fill a room. He was not someone to be easily ignored. Clyde never went halfway. He did everything big. His loyalty to family and friends was fierce and absolute, and his servings of drinks or desserts were always super sized.

He loved children and brought merry mayhem into the lives of his young nieces and nephews. To them, he was magical — a gregarious, child-like wonder who delivered fun, frolic, toys and gifts – a cross between Disney World and Santa Claus. He also spoiled family pets, with too many treats.

His time living on Hillcrest Street in Antigonish meant a lot to Clyde. A devout traditionalist, he loved the legacy of long-time neighbours contributing to the social fabric of the street he grew up on. His love for his hometown of Antigonish was matched only by his love for his family. He was a devoted son; his mother, Nora (McKenna) Nunn meant the world to him, with them caring for each other into her advanced years.

He enjoyed driving Antigonish County back roads with his older brother, Jim, the seaside beauty at the family cottage at Bayfield, and researching family history online. His passions were fired by politically-tinged talk, arguments about government decisions, current world affairs, media, and any issue that could rile up a good debate. Clyde was a unique individual. He will be greatly missed.

Clyde is survived by his siblings: Fran (Johnny Miller); Nancy Nunn Stubbert (Clary Stubbert); Mary Lou Nunn Brenton (Gordon Brenton); Noreen (Lloyd Jewkes); Bruce (Tracy Barron); Jennifer Nunn Boyle (Paul Boyle); sister-in-law Cathy Nunn (Jim Nunn),his special friend Mary Lou Klinger; many nieces and nephews; beloved cousins and friends.

He is predeceased by his parents J. Clyde Nunn Sr., Nora (McKenna) Nunn, and his brother Jim Nunn, and nephew Gordie Pat Brenton.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Friday, March 3, 2023 in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street. Funeral mass 11 am Saturday, March 4, 2023 in St. Ninian Cathedral, Rev. Danny MacLennan presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Diabetes Canada or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.