Obituary of James Edward Brophy

Brophy, James Edward, Age 92, Mulgrave died Thursday, November 14^th, 2024, at the RK MacDonald nursing home in Antigonish. Born January 6^th, 1932, in Mulgrave, he was the son of the Late John Patrick and Ella Mae (Jellow) Brophy.

James (Dad) left school when he was 14 years old to start work to help support the Brophy family. His working life included the trawlers, driving a fish truck throughout the Maritimes and working at Acadia Fisheries in Mulgrave, all the while becoming a self-taught Master Carpenter. He was hired with the first crew to build the Nova Scotia Forest Industries Mill (PHP) in Point Tupper. Once the mill was constructed, he was hired as a carpenter, eventually becoming the Carpenter and Mason’s supervisor. He was offered his dream job close to the end of his career, which was to maintain the Break Pressure Tank in Mulgrave (which is the line that feeds water to PHP).  All would agree, the grounds looked like a park under his care.

Dad loved his children, their spouses and grandchildren; spending time with them meant a great deal to him. Family gatherings were a great source of joy for the entire family.  He enjoyed fiddle music, golfing, fly-fishing, bowling, carpentry, gardening, barbecuing, lobsters, pecan pie, making and drinking wine, laughing and absolutely loved cutting wood. He said he felt at peace in the woods. He was a member of the Cape Nova Rifle and Revolver before his retirement, winning many awards for his marksmanship.  Above all, he was a tireless worker; he truly worked from dawn till dusk every day and loved every minute of it.  He said at 86, he felt no different than he did at 26 and attributed that to a hard day’s work. He would say “if you’re going to do something do it right, don’t make a half-arse job of it”.  

Dad demonstrated his carpentry skills by making a wide range of items including carved ducks, furniture including beautiful hutches, kitchen cupboards, armories, tables and chairs, cedar chests, violins, a canoe, boats, his garage and home.  He also used those skills many times over the years helping in our family homes. 

He took over the household duties and took care of Theresa (Mom) when she fell ill. Along with meals he often made for the entire family, he became a perfectionist at making jelly, jam, preserves, pies, and fudge, which he often shared with family right up until he was 90 years of age. Dad was a man who took responsibility in life very seriously as he demonstrated year after year looking after family members who needed his helping hand.

Dad was strong in his faith, a life-long member of St. Lawrence Parish in Mulgrave.  For as long as we can remember, Dad prayed daily on bent knees. He believed in God and the continuation of life after death. We are confident he will be rewarded in Heaven for the kind of life he lived on earth.

Unfortunately, the day after Mom passed in December of 2022, Dad began having strokes coupled with seizures and his dementia worsened.  He was hospitalized several times, and eventually moved into the RK Nursing Home in Antigonish.  Life was forever changed. During his stay at the RK, his greatest pleasures were ice cream, visitors, walks, Chapel Mass and outings to the Antigonish Bowling Lanes where he was always greeted with the utmost respect and kindness. He celebrated his 92nd birthday bowling, where he received his “92” trophy from the manager. We are grateful.

We would like to thank Dr. Eckhart for taking care of Dad’s medical needs and always making Dad’s happiness a priority. Also, a special note to Dr. Hamilton, “Mr. Brophy” thought and spoke very highly of you.  We would especially like to thank the entire Staff of the RK for the patient and loving care they bestowed upon Dad since his arrival. They not only cared for Dad, they also cared about Dad.  Every “Hi James”, brought a very bright smile to Dad’s face.

Surviving are his children; Ellarose (Allan Huard), Lower South River, Dorraine (Kevin MacEachern), Dundee, James (Tammy McKay), Digby, Debra (Paul Forgeron), Mulgrave; Grandchildren, Warren (Julie Drisdelle), Thea (Craig Power), Nicole (Jeff MacPhee), Katie, Jade,  James Michael (Courtney Cameron) , Daniel (Jennifer Henley), Hunter (Kelly) Chisholm, Hannah and their father Ron Chisholm; Sisters, Jean, Anne, Mary; brother, Vincent (Brenda) all of Mulgrave. Many nieces and nephews.

Dad is predeceased by his wife, Theresa Elizabeth (Delorey), Infant son Michael Joseph; brother Francis; brothers in law, Michael (Mikie T) MacKinnon (Jean), Don Williams (Anne) and Joe Miles (Mary).

Visitation will take place at the Mulgrave and Area Resting Place on Tuesday, November 19th from 4:00PM to 8:00PM.  Funeral on Wednesday, November 20^th, at 10:00AM at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Mulgrave with Father Allan MacPhie and Deacon Berkley Guthro officiating. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery. Donations may be made to the Mulgrave and Area Resting Place or the St. Lawrence Parish Cemetery Fund.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury, NS.

“Is that you? Yeah, it’s me, is that you?”  …. He loved you dearly.

Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com.