Hape, John William

New Glasgow, NS

September 23, 1945 - July 20, 2026

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of our Stepfather John William Hape (AKA “Papa”) on July 20th, 2026, at the age of 80.

John was born in England on September 23, 1945, and brought to Canada at the age of two by his parents John and Mary Hape.

Surviving are his brothers, George Hape and Red (Ann) Hape; his sister, Elaine (David) Talbot; his stepchildren, Edward (Irene) Joyce, Patricia (Tissie) Fulton, Debbie (Mike) Dickson, Corrina Joyce, and Susan MacGillivray; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

John was predeceased by his parents John and Mary Hape, wife Alice Joyce, sister Pearl Ettinger-Hape, and stepson Alan Joyce.

Papa was known for his blunt, sometimes inappropriate honesty and his legendary "bullshit" stories, which never failed to entertain. Beneath his colourful personality was a generous and selfless man who never hesitated to help anyone in need. His infectious sense of humour and genuine nature made him someone people accepted and appreciated for exactly who he was. Papa was truly one of a kind—a real character who will always be remembered with a smile.

Papa dearly loved his cats and treated them like his own children, always making sure they were cared for—often better than he cared for himself. While papa was in the hospital, his brother George looked after his cats and made sure they were treated the same way. We are very thankful for all his help!

Papa also cherished his little shack (trailer) in the trailer park, where the door was always open to family and friends, no matter the time of day or night. Everyone knew they would be welcomed with a story, and a laugh.

Papa loved to tinker and had a reputation as a master fixer—the MacGyver of just about anything. His favourite tools were duct tape, glue, and cardboard, and somehow, he could make almost anything work. Every project was completed with determination, plenty of care, and a few well-placed "fucks" along the way. The results of his handiwork were proudly displayed throughout his shack and around the yard, each one a reminder of his ingenuity and unmistakable character.

There were many people that Papa loved, but a few that were incredibly special to him. His grand-daughter Bobbi-Sue MacGillivray was one of these people. They spent many a day’s fishing together and were truly fishing buddies. He also spent many days with one of his truest and best friends, Joe (Pegleg) who visited him almost everyday.

We would like to send a special thank you to the staff in the burn unit at the QEII in Halifax. Thank you all for treating him with such kindness, and making him feel like part of the family, it really made it easier on us knowing he was being looked after. A special shout out to Mark, papa’s favorite nurse, you made his day brighter when you were around.

There will be no funeral, upon family request, however, we will be having a Celebration of his life on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, at Trenton Legion from 6:00-8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the QEII Halifax Infirmary Burn Unit in John’s memory.