It is with great sadness that we the family, announce the passing of Ivan J. Hennessey, who passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025, at the age of 91. He died at Residence Prestige surrounded by his devoted wife, Cécile St-Laurent, and her son, Denis Landry.
Born in Atholville, NB, he was the beloved son of the late Leo and Evelyn Hennessey. Ivan was known throughout his life as a man of his word with a tough exterior but a kind heart and a strong work ethic.
He was indeed a man of many interests, as through his life he engaged in ice hockey (playing as a young man and coaching minor hockey in his adult years), camping, gardening, golf, curling, fishing, fly-tying, and extensive home renovations. Perhaps his greatest passions were fishing and carpentry. He also enjoyed a good game of cards and was more skillful at it than most. These varied pursuits brought him great joy and helped create cherished memories for his family and friends. Ivan worked his entire career in the pulp and paper industry, beginning as an untrained casual laborer at the Atholville Pulp Mill and retiring as the Superintendent of the Instrumentation Department at the New Brunswick Pulp and Paper Mill in Dalhousie, New Brunswick. He was known as a strong leader who stood up for and defended his staff.
Ivan was predeceased by his first wife (Joyce), the mother of his two children, as well as his only daughter, Debbie Ruel (Gilles), his sister Carol (Louis) and his brother Wally (Thelma).
He will be deeply missed by his wife, Cécile St-Laurent, his son, Russ (Madelyn), his beloved grandchildren Ryan Hennessey (Emily), Michael Hennessey (Kathy), Alexa Ruel and Michel Ruel, and his treasured great-grandchildren (Clara, David, Elaina and Sarah). He also leaves behind his wife’s children, whom he cared for deeply, and everyone he loved throughout his life. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
A service will be held Wednesday on May 28, 2025, from Elhatton’s Funeral Home chapel in Bathurst, NB, at 14:00 (2:00pm ADT).
