Carly Kathryn Bunyan 26, Troy, Cape Breton On Monday, February 23, 2009, our Carly passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family and friends. She was born on June 19, 1982, in Hamilton Ontario, but grew up on Cape Breton Island. Carly was the oldest daughter of John and Kathy (Mac Neil)Bunyan, and loving sister of Paul, Jackie and Neil. Carly was an amazing young women who attained many remarkable accomplishments in her twenty six years of life. She graduated from SAERC High School in 2000 as Female Athlete of the Year. After graduating she went on to study at the University of Maine, on a full athletic scholarship. During her second year of studies she was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and had to take a reprieve from her studies. However, as she expressed in her own words, “Giving up means you have to quit . . . I decided not to give up.” Staying true to her words, Carly went on to eventually graduate in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Maine. She was a Gold Medal Scholar-Athlete Award winner who maintained a high aggregate for the duration of her studies and remained on the Dean’s list. She was captain of the University of Maine Women’s Track team from 2005-2006. In 2005 she was recipient of the prestigious NCAA Wilma Rudolph Student Athlete Achievement Award in Raleigh, North Carolina, along with only three other individuals in the United States of America. However, she was the only non-American to receive this award- an award intended to honour student athletes who have overcome great personal, academic, and/or emotional odds to achieve academic success while participating in intercollegiate athletics. Carly participated in two Canada Summer Games- one in London, Ontario in 2001 and the other in Regina, Saskatchewan in 2005. In Saskatchewan she was the Team Nova Scotia flag bearer for the closing ceremonies of the Canada Summer Games- a unanimous decision by the track team. She also participated in many other sporting events such as the Junior Nationals and Legions. Carly still holds provincial records for the triple jump across four age classes. She was involved in many different sports in her lifetime, and a beautiful highland dancer who captivated everyone with her infectious smile. She was Honorary Chair for the Relay for Life in 2007, and was an inspirational speaker at various events. Carly traveled extensively in her lifetime- she went to Europe, saw the Mayan Ruins in Mexico, traveled across the country and participated in an archaeological dig at the Fortress of Louisburg. She had several interests and experienced many wonderful adventures. Carly went horseback riding and skiing in the Rocky Mountains, boating on lakes and the ocean, fishing, canoeing and four-wheeling. However, her favourite place to be was at the family sugar camp in Queensville. Carly and her father returned here every spring to tap the maple trees and to make maple syrup. This was a special place that the family visited. She loved music, guitar, dancing, track, meeting new people, travelling, laughing, purses, shopping, shoes, the outdoors, drawing, sports, animals, chocolate and archaeology. She described herself by saying, “I am a generally happy person...I like to party, like to have fun. I love sports, the beach, and I especially love my family. Archaeology is my passion. . .” One of her favourite quotes was “Whether you think you can or think you can't - you are right.” One year ago Carly’s brain tumour returned, and eventually the cancer overtook her. - but she made a gallant fight, and lived twice as long as most individuals inflicted with this type of cancer. Through it all, she was always more concerned with others than herself. Carly will never be forgotten. Her beautiful smile, gentle demeanour, selflessness, courage and unwavering spirit will remain with us always. Besides being survived by her parents, John and Kathy she is also survived by maternal grandparents Isabelle (Billy Bouchie), and paternal grandparents Frank Bunyan and Aleda Riendeau. She will be forever missed by her brother Paul (Antigonish) , sister Jackie (Troy) and youngest brother Neil (Troy) along with several aunts and uncles; Bernadette Mac Neil , Fort MacMurray; Barbara(Harvey MacKinnon), Port Hastings; Liz (Brian Johnston ) Port Hastings; Viola MacLeod, Halifax; Carl Mac Neil (Cathy) Halifax; Barry Mac Neil (Carol) Halifax; Debbie (Tom Graham) Judique; Tammy Bunyan (Bobby), Port Hawkesbury, Bill (Carol Bunyan) Bridgetown and Frances Chambers (Tim) Lower Sackville. She had a very special relationship with many of her cousins, Corey, Garret, Meghann, Kelsey, Marie, Hillary, Katie, Melanie, Jessie, Jody, Sarah, Amy, Bradley, Aaron, Dylan, Natasha, Jayde, Kaylee, Coleman, Billie Jean, Patrick, Tina, Gary, Chad, John, Kathleen, Maggie, Cassie, Hannah, Gracie, Michael, Willie and Eugene. She will also be remembered and cherished by her special love Adam Marchand, and close friends Candace, Staci and Emma, as well as her coach of many years Lauchie Beaton. She was predeceased by her maternal grandfather, Francis Mac Neil, Uncle Gary MacDonald and Uncle John Francis Mac Neil who passed in infancy. The family would like to sincerely thank all those who attended and supported Carly in her last days; home support workers, nurses and palliative care in both Antigonish and Port Hawkesbury with special thanks to Nancy Cameron and Marie Mac Neil. Her aunts Tammy and Debbie felt privileged to lovingly care for her until the very end, along with her sweetheart, Adam. The presence of everyone- friends, relatives, her godmother and others meant the world at such a difficult time. Visitation will be held at Dennis Haverstock, Funeral Home Port Hawkesbury from 1-7 pm, Wednesday, February 25, 2009 with funeral on Thursday, February 26, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Stella Maris Church, Creignish with Father Hughie D. MacDonald officiating. Burial at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to Palliative Care Strait Richmond Hospital. On-line condolences may be made to: www.haverstocks.com Draw a circle, not a heart, around the one you love, because a heart can break but a circle goes on forever. . . From Carly (Facebook) Service Information Service Date Thursday, February 26, 2009