Obituary of Patrick "Paddy" Dempsey

DEMPSEY , Patrick Charles (Paddy) - 85, Herring Cove, husband of the late Lillian (Greene), passed away December 24, 2013, at the QEII Health Science Centre, after a short and courageous battle, surrounded by his loving family.   Born in Halifax, N.S, he was the son of the late Ansel and Catherine (Power) Dempsey.  He loved life and being with his family.  He gave unconditionally throughout his life and his family was always his first priority. Never was there a more caring and loving father, grandfather and husband.  He worked for DND as a cable rigger/foreman for 36 years.  He also worked the pilot boat and fished with his dad and brothers out of Herring Cove.  But, his best career was being the most wonderful father of seven children, which he did with much pride and tremendous love. He loved to tell stories and was known as a story teller. His life was an open book of adventures and he loved to tell those that would listen to all his tales. He loved dancing and being creative in every aspect of life, from painting murals on canvas to carving creatures from wood, (totem poles).  We referred to dad as the Maud Lewis of our family. He was an amazing carpenter, mechanic, electrician, and jack- of-all- trades.  He is survived by his loving daughters, Paulette Purcell (Stanley), Portuguese Cove; Sandra Purcell, Herring Cove; Diana Hart (Andrew), Ketch Harbour;  Connie Hopgood (Brad), Wolfville; Patti Lynn Brown (Paul), PEI;  and his loving sons, John (Bonnie) Dempsey , Purcell’s Cove, and Kenny Dempsey, New Minas.  Many of his grandchildren surrounded him during his illness and passing,  Jennifer Clark (Andrew) , Robbie (Cindy) Purcell, Ian (Carolyn) Dempsey, Darrel (Caralee) Dempsey, Brandon (Meaghan) Hart, Amber Hart, Sarah Brown (Eddie), Ryan Brown (Kelly), Brehanna Hopgood, Hayden Hopgood, Holly  (William) Chappus, Jason Purcell (Tanya), and Chris Purcell, as well as 12 great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by sisters, Doreen Reardon (Bill), Rosie Dempsey (Brian), Shirley, Angela, Cathy Macdonald (Fred),  and brothers, Edward "Ned" (Laura) Dempsey, Raymond (Vivian) Dempsey, Dennis (Barb) Dempsey, Ansel (Barb) Dempsey,  Joseph (Julie) Dempsey, and many cousins, nephews and nieces, along with a special niece, Agnes Morris (Donald).  He was predeceased by his loving wife, Lillian, sister, Mary Purcell (Doug),  brother, Jerry (Doreen) Dempsey, his special grandson, Stanley Jr. "Babe", son-in-law, Robert Purcell.  He will be forever remembered and missed by his much loved family and friends.    Cremation has taken place under the care of JA Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd., 149 Herring Cove Road, Halifax (477.5601), where visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM.  Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 30, 2013 at 10:30 AM in St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Herring Cove, NS. In memory of Paddy, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Children's Wish Foundation or a charity of choice.  Words of comfort may be sent to the family by visiting www.walkerfh.com