David Muise
Sydney

If you are reading this I guess I died. Believe me, it wasn't my choice. Someone will fill in the date, (November 2, 2017 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital). 

I battled cancer most of my life so I assume that's what got me.

I am sorry to be leaving behind my beloved wife Deborah George who cared for me with love and kindness and never wavered. I was truly blessed to have her in my life. She will always be My Love. 

I was blessed with 4 wonderful children, Alison (Ian) Trainor, Geoffrey (Ainsley Fraser), Cathy (Brent) Huntington, and Beth. Through good times and bad, my love for them never wavered. They gave me six grandchildren, Devon Rowe, Jonah Cameron, Hillary and Chloe Huntington, and Claire and Sarah Trainor whom I love dearly. 

I grew up in Ashby, the son of Nelson and Nellie Muise. I had eight brothers and sisters, Brian (Maggie), Paula (Onni), Michael (Linda), Margaret (Roger), Helen (Stephen), Robert (Susan), Joseph (Mary) and Janine, who died too young. 

I attended Mount Allison University and Dalhousie University Law School then set about practicing law for over 40 years. I served a term in the Nova Scotia Legislature as MLA for CB West after which I expected nothing form the Liberal Party and that's exactly what I got. I served a tumultuous term as Mayor of CBRM, a job that gave me sleepless nights and grey hair but a lot of satisfaction as well. I trust history will treat me well. Because I was too nosy to retire, I ended up working with Sheldon Nathanson - I wish I had met him 40 years earlier. 

I volunteered with the Cancer Society and worked for improved services for patients. My proudest achievement was working to secure a Cancer Center for Cape Breton, never thinking I would become a patient there. 

I was a member of the Sydney Rotary Club and was the co-founder of the Sydney-Sunrise Club and served as District-Governor for the Maritimes in 2009-2010. I like to think that we debunked the misconception that Rotary is a bunch of rich old guys by leading the way in community service, a record for which I am truly proud. 

I hated dogs and bulls**t and did my best to avoid both. I like to think I made more friends than enemies, laughed more than I cried, loved more that I hated, prayed more than I swore and left the wood pile a little higher. 

I don't want a wake, it's too hard on the family, but you are all invited to a party after Mass where there will be food, music and stories with a prize going the best story about me…and it doesn't even have to be true.

Funeral mass will be celebrated Monday, November 6 at 2:00 pm at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church with Fr. Bill Burke officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Patient Comfort Fund at the CB Cancer Centre or to The Rotary Foundation would be appreciated, or you can just perform a random act of kindness for someone less fortunate. 

As for my life, Jimmy Buffet summed it up in, He Went To Paris:

Jimmy, some of it's magic, some of it's tragic
But I had a good life all the way. 

I'm just sayin'…

Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com