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Joseph "Dodo" Syms
September 19, 2016
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<div itemprop="description">SYMS, Joseph (Dodo), age 84 of Lower Sackville - <br>It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of a gentle, kind and Christian man. <br>Joseph Syms was born in Reserve Mines, Cape Breton, the son of Helen (Etienne) and Philip Syms and was one of nine children. Despite humble beginnings he was proud to be a Cape Bretoner and shared fond memories of growing up playing baseball, hockey and singing in church concerts. <br>There Joseph began to date and would eventually marry his childhood sweetheart, Miriam (Mimmie) McNeil. They would spend 53 joyful years married, raising a family of five children. Joseph was employed with Maritime Tel and Tel and he and Mimmie would eventually move their family from Reserve to Sackville (Halifax) to pursue work. He would spend 39 years working for MT&T and he always felt privileged and grateful to be in their employ. It was there he met many valued, lifelong friends with whom he forged strong ties. <br>Joseph was a dedicated and committed member of St. John Vianney Parish where he taught religious education for many years. He also contributed to his community in a variety of ways including coaching and umpiring local sports teams. <br>He loved music and it played an important part of his life, which led to many dances in the kitchen of the family home. He was also a great storyteller and the dining table often rocked with laughter as he shared his jokes. <br>Joseph lived his life by 5 words which he wrote about and shared with others. These words at times could be found tucked in his wallet- Goodness, Prayer, Love, Holy and Continue. He believed there was "goodness" in everyone and we should always look for and encourage good in each other. He believed that our coming together was a form of "prayer". For Joseph, all good thoughts, words and deeds were a form of prayer. "Love"- he believed you should love your neighbor as yourself – love your family, your friends and those you meet in life and support people as much and when you can. "Holy" – in God’s eyes we are all holy people and we have the Holy Spirit of God within us. And finally the word "continue"- continue all of the above; continue to do the best you can… to say and do good for others. Joseph embodied these words. He was a humble man of deep faith and quiet wisdom, a man of generosity and profound love for his family and friends. <br> <br>Joseph is survived by his children, Philip (Lee), Joanne (Liz), Evelyn (Michael) and Paula (Marla), his grandchildren Kelly (Jon), Neil (Cheryl) and Connor and his great granddaughter, Ava; his chosen daughter Julie Coleman; sister Bernadette and brother Elmer, along with numerous nieces and nephews (to many he was Uncle Dodo). Joseph is predeceased by his loving wife Mimmie and his cherished son Donald. He is also predeceased by his sister Rita, and brothers Billy, Gerald, Pookie, Freddy and Sheldon. You will be missed greatly Dad but your words and spirit will live on in all of us. We know you are finally in Mom’s arms again, dancing to your favorite jukebox tunes. A special thank you to the Dr.’s, nurses and staff of 9 Abbie Lane, QEII for their care and compassion. A funeral mass will be held Thursday, September 22nd at 11:00am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 4 Beaver Bank Road, Sackville, reception to follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Feed Nova Scotia. Online condolences may be sent to www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com Sackville Chapel. <br>“May his soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.” <br> <br> <br></div>