Lafford, John, age 73, of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation passed away on June 14, 2026, in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish.

Born in Biddeford, Maine, he was a son of the late Benedict and Margaret (Stevens) Lafford.

John worked as a labourer most of his working life.  He had a crazy sense of humour, and there weas nothing he enjoyed more than getting people going.  John enjoyed playing cribbage, going to yard sales, a cold beer (or near beer), and having a good time with family and friends.  John was proud of his independence, but he was always eager to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.  He loved his siblings very much, and they will miss him a lot.

He is survived by  his children, Mindy Caron, Auburn, Maine; Jay Julian (Leanne), Whycocomagh, Cape Breton; and Colin Julian, Paqtnkek; grandchildren, Silas MacDonald-Julian, Antigonish; Lucian Levi Julian, We’koqma’q First Nation; Ava Lee Googoo; and Kyra Paige Googoo; sisters, Mary Ann (Harold), Paqtnkek; Judy (Kenneth) Jones, Havre Boucher; Joan, Waterboro, Maine; and Sandra Landry, Biddeford, Maine; godson, Michael Lafford; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his brothers, Levi and Patrick of Maine and Earl (Hubba) and Joseph (Mary) of Paqtnkek; and sisters, Linda Lafford of Maine and Helen and Annie Lafford of Paqtnkek.

Visitation will begin on Saturday at 7 Glidow Lane, Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation at 5pm until time of funeral at 11:00am on Monday in Immaculate Conception Church, Heatherton, with Fr. Dennis Lamey presiding.  Burial in Walneg at St. Ann’s Cemetery on Summerside Road.

The family would like to thank Johnny’s caregivers for their compassionate care and for putting up with his nonsense. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish (Nalikitquniejk).  Online condolences:  www.clcurry.com