Surette, Francis Albert – known as "Sonny" – passed away peacefully in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, at the age of 79.

Born in Middle West Pubnico, he was a son of the late Allan Clarence and Gladys (Marr) Surette.

At the age of 14, Sonny started picking apples in the Valley and many various labour-intensive jobs.  As a part of Labourers Union Local 615, he worked for many years in Toronto and Halifax in the construction industry.  Sonny was pro-union and volunteered tirelessly with the CAW.  After retiring from construction, he spent his last working years at the Canso fish plant.  People would mostly remember him for his joking personality, as he was always making people laugh.

He was an active member of the community helping everyone he could with anything from plumbing to electrical and was even a former coach of the Port Felix Olands hockey team.

Sonny and Mary moved to Antigonish in 2016 so he could be closer to the hospital for his dialysis.  He loved the outdoors and basking in the sun while he was living at Greenwold Manor.

Sonny is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary (Lewis); his son, Francis Jr.; daughters, Anna and Samantha (Clifford); grandsons, Joel and Kyle; brother, Wayne (Karen); and sister-in-law, Ruth.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his siblings, Leander, Richard, Carolyn (Thomas), and Rose (Harvey).

Cremation has taken place, and a funeral service will be held in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish, on Friday at 10:30am, with Deacon Art Riley presiding.  Burial in Port Felix at a later date.

Family flowers only, please.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kidney Foundation appreciated.

Online condolences:  www.clcurry.com