Obituary of Brian Patrick Dempsey

83. It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Brian Patrick Dempsey announces his passing on April 1, 2015 at the age of 83. He was the son of Lorne Anthony Dempsey and Margaret Mary (Hanrahan) Dempsey. Dad was a devoted catholic and served under many priests, first as transporter of the daily milk can to the convent, at the age of 5, then as an alter-server. He was the caretaker, church painter, and committee member under Frs. MacKinnon, Heffler (who lived with Dad’s family until the Glebe was built), Melanson (Mom and Dad were the first to be married in the rebuilt church), Neary, Purcell, Mills, Campbell, Burke, MacKinnon, O’Toole. Dad was an avid volunteer all his life. When asked once why he devoted so much of his time to his church and community, he said, "Because it’s the right thing to do." Over the years Dad was President of the Herring Cove and District 5 Recreation Association, The 4 Cove Recreation Association, Herring Cove Area Settlement and Servicing Strategy, Chairman of St. Paul’s Cemetery (26 years), Herring Cove Steering Committee, Latters Lake Project. He was involved in the acquisition of the Recreation Field and the Senior Citizens Complex. His most cherished accomplishment was the monument honouring the Pilot Boat Disaster. Dad has received many awards for his volunteerism including the Air Canada Heart of Gold Medal, the Queens Jubilee Medal, Provincial Volunteer Awards, HRM Volunteer of the Year. Dad lived by and raised all his children with the "Golden Rule" and that a promise made is a promise delivered. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, RoseMarie; son, Richard (Paula), Edwin (Joy), Roy (Sharon); daughters, Rosanne (Alexander), Pamela;  sisters, Margaret Ann Elliott, Janet (Wallace) Scallion; brothers, Brendan (Annette), Gerald, Daniel (Joan). He will be greatly missed by his 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by both his parents, and sisters, Lorna and Mary; brothers, Kevin, Dennis and James "Sonny". There will be no visitation by request. Funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church, Hebridean Drive, Herring Cove on Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 at 10:00am., with a reception to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MS Society.