It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our loving father, Kenneth Edward Connolly, age 97, who died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 20, 2022. Born December 13, 1924, in Guysborough Intervale where he lived his entire life, he was the son of the late Edward and Christina (Chisholm) Connolly. Dad was a wonderful father to 9 children, teaching us values and wisdom that has guided our hearts and is instilled in our minds forever. He would often be found on the kitchen rocker singing to or bouncing one of the kids/grandchildren. He was a sweet, kind, humble and gentle man. On so many occasions, he would openly share his feelings of deep love and gratitude that could tug at our heart strings. His son Jerome’s quote "he could get a tear out of a rock" described Dad perfectly. Dad was a devoted catholic, always bestowing and practicing his love and faith in God daily. He was a strong tory and was always involved during election times. Dad loved sharing stories of his past experiences with most ending in his cherished hearty laugh. Dad was a hard working man and a farmer who lived off the land. He raised livestock, chickens, pigs, large potato fields, and vegetable gardens to provide for his family. He cut pulp wood and harvested Christmas trees over his lifetime and in later years with his son, Peter. Summers were spent in the hay fields and Dad baled hay into his 90’s. He had a profound appreciation for the land and was well connected to nature. Dad was a sharp card player, enjoying many family and community card games with Mom as his partner. He was always up for a game of auction and the banging on the table could be heard for miles along with the laughter. He had a bounce in his step when the music started, and always wanted to hit the dance floor. Dad and Mom traveled to many dances through the years. Dad had a love for many songs and sang along to them. His passion of music started with his parents’ lively kitchen parties in his younger years. It continues to grow and is a big part in the next generations. On a day off, Dad could be seen hunting on his property or fishing his favorite lake, Three Cornered Lake, with his friends, sons or brothers. In his later years, he could be seen doing his daily walk up the Intervale road, which kept him fit to live his ripe old age. Survived by 7 children, Theresa, Saint John NB; Philip (Mary), Guysborough Intervale; Martin, Antigonish; Dorothy Delorey, Antigonish; Joanne Davis (John), CT; Laura Gabriel (Charlie), Lower Sackville; Alice Embree (Art), Cole Harbour; daughters-in-law Rose Connolly, Antigonish and Maxine Connolly, Guysborough Intervale; brother Cyril (Grace) Connolly, Truro; sisters-in-law Anna Connolly and Bessie Connolly, Guysborough Intervale; brother-in-law Clarence Long, Erinville, and many special nieces and nephews. He was dearly loved and proud of 25 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Recently predeceased by his dear wife, Margaret (nee O’Connor), spending almost 74 years together, daughter Virginia, sons Jerome and Peter, son-in-law Joe Delorey and great-granddaughter, Gwyneth Bowie, brothers Ronald (Rita), Eric (Lydia), John, Leonard, and sister Irene Long. The family would like to thank Dr. Ranjini, the Palliative Care Team, the nurses and special staff at the Guysborough Home Support Agency, especially Mary Ann who was so good to her "old chappy." A special thank you to Shirley (Temple) for her loving, compassionate care and dedication she showed to our dad. Visitation Tuesday, August 23, 2022, 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm, at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, with funeral at 11 am August 24 at St. Patrick’s Church, Guysborough Intervale, with Father Anthony O’Connor officiating, assisted by Father Callistus Abazie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Patrick’s Building Fund. You can etransfer your donation to [email protected] Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Guysborough. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com. To quote Dad’s famous last words "God Bless You." Rest in Peace. Visitation Information Visitation Tuesday, August 23, 2022 Visitation Time 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Visitation Location St. Patrick’s Parish Hall, Guysborough Intervale Service Information Service Date Wednesday, August 24, 2022 Service Time 11 a.m. Service Location St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Guysborough Intervale Burial Information Burial Date Wednesday, August 24, 2022 Burial Time Following funeral mass Burial Location St. Patrick's Parish Cemetery, Guysborough Intervale