It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John “Johnny” Maxwell Perry of Boudreauville, Nova Scotia, who passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, at the age of 87, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, surrounded by his loving family.

Johnny was a man who always had a story to tell, but the greatest story was the one he lived. Born in Benoit’s Cove, Newfoundland, to the late Mary (Youden) and John Perry, he was one of seven children. From an early age, he developed a deep love for the ocean and for fishing, a passion that would shape much of his life. Like so many Newfoundland songs, Johnny’s life was defined by the sea, his family, and the places he always called home.

Although Newfoundland’s rugged coastline forever remained home in his heart, the decline of the groundfish industry led Johnny, like many Newfoundlanders in the early 1960s, to Petit-de-Grat. Recruited by Booth Fisheries, he worked aboard many draggers, including the Red Diamond fleet, sailing out of Petit-de-Grat harbour. It was once relocated to Petit-de-Great where that he met the love of his life, Cornelia (Boudreau) Perry. Together they shared nearly 62 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, hard work, and family. They were blessed with four children; Darin, Judy (Tony), Maureen, and Roger (Heather); who were the pride of his life until his grandchildren and great-grandchildren expanded the circle of joy that surrounded him.

Johnny was never one to shy away from hard work. Throughout his fishing career, he worked aboard several draggers, including the Jean Fletcher, Ellen Fletcher, and, for many years, the Patricia Linder. His love of the sea even took him as far as Greenland in 1991, where he fished for shrimp aboard the Kinguk out of Mulgrave. After leaving the fishing industry, he worked at Breton Marine in Port Hawkesbury, spent time with the Construction Union as a steel tier, and later retired from Atlantic Towing. Even at 87 years old, Johnny could recall the names and stories of nearly everyone he had ever worked alongside; a testament to both his remarkable memory and the genuine interest he took in people.

If there was one thing Johnny was known for beyond his work ethic, it was his gift for storytelling. Whether recounting the legendary tale of a rogue wave that caused the Red Diamond 2 to complete a full 360-degree roll before miraculously righting itself, or sharing stories from a lifetime spent on the sea, he had a way of bringing every memory to life. Stories found Johnny as easily as he found people, because he never passed up the opportunity to strike up a conversation. Whether it was his naturally curious personality or his Newfoundland roots, he felt compelled to stop and talk with everyone he met. He wanted to know where you were from, what you did for a living, who your family was, and more often than not, he would discover a common connection.

After decades of hard work, Johnny embraced retirement with the same enthusiasm and energy that defined his life. He was a proud and active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 150 and the New Horizons Seniors Club in Arichat. At home, there was always another project waiting to be tackled, a garden to tend, or flowers and vegetables to plant. He enjoyed countless games of cards with his beloved Cornelia, Adrian and Eleanor, and his good friend Anthony. Some of his fondest memories were made during summers spent camping with his children and, later, his grandchildren in Whycocomagh, Ben Eoin, and Antigonish.

Johnny was always willing to lend a hand to his neighbour Venard “Pigou” Samson, whether helping with lobster traps or working aboard the boat. He also enjoyed spending his time on the water mackerel fishing with his good friend Hubert David; only to give away their catch to local lobster fishermen for bait. Simply put, Johnny was never one to sit still. The one place you could reliably find him seated was on the last bench to the left at the Red Caps RABA baseball games.

Johnny’s love for life, music, and people never faded. Even during his final days in hospital, he often shared that he wasn’t ready to leave this beautiful world or the people he loved so dearly. Unfortunately, the passing of his soulmate, Cornelia, in February 2025 left an emptiness in his heart that could never truly be filled.

Johnny will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his children: Darin of Halifax; Judy (Tony) of Arichat; Maureen of Brampton; and Roger (Heather) of Kitchener. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Scott (Courtney) of Fort McMurray; Tyson (Riley) of North Wiltshire; Tonie (Stephane) of Moncton; Hannah of Kitchener; and Alex of Kitchener. His great-grandchildren, Harper, Remi, and Amélie, brought him endless pride and joy.

He is also survived by his sisters, Eileen (Bill), Ruby (Albert), and Mercedes (Clarence); his brothers-in-law, Adrian (Eleanor), Lucien (Diane), and Bernie; his sister-in-law, Viola; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends, all of whom knew and loved his quick wit, kind heart, and playful sense of humour.

Besides his parents and his beloved wife, Cornelia, Johnny was predeceased by his brothers, Leo (Zita), Don (Marilyn), and Tom (Helen); his sisters, Gertrude (Bill) and Josephine (Howard); his brother-in-law, John; his sister-in-law, Diane; and many cherished members of his extended family and close friends who held a special place in his heart.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a role in Johnny’s care, including the staff of the Diabetic Clinic in Arichat, local EMS, St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, the Halifax Infirmary, Strait Richmond Hospital, and especially the Cardiac Care Unit at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, whose kindness, compassion, and exceptional care brought comfort to both Johnny and his family during his final days.

The family would also like to express their deepest appreciation to Johnny’s neighbours and in-laws, Adrian and Eleanor Boudreau, whose unwavering love, friendship, and support meant more than words can express to both Johnny and Cornelia. A special thank you is also extended to Venard “Pigou” Samson for being not only a wonderful neighbour but a lifelong friend.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 17th, from 6:00 to 8:00pm at CH Boudreau Funeral Home in Arichat. A celebration of Johnny’s life will take place on Saturday, July 18th, at 11:00am at St. Joseph’s Church in Petit-de-Grat, with Fr. Duaine Devereaux officiating. Following the Mass, Johnny and Cornelia will be laid to rest together, finally side by side again, at the Petit-de-Grat Columbarium. A reception will follow at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 150 in Arichat

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In honour of Johnny’s lifelong love of baseball and the Red Caps, memorial donations may be made to the Petit-de-Grat Red Caps toward the construction of new bleachers in his memory.

Tributes, words of comfort, and memories of Johnny may be shared with the family at www.chboudreau.com.