Obituary of Laurence James Retallack

Dr. Laurence James “Jim” Retallack, age 70 of Port Williams  passed away peacefully on October 20, 2018 at the Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville.

Jim was a man of many talents and interests, professionally and personally. He was a member of the Nova Scotia Professional Association of Engineers, a keen sailor, talented musician and singer, a traveler and adventurer, avid reader and lover of science and the natural world.

Jim began his education in engineering at Acadia University, followed by his technical education at the University of Waterloo and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the University of Southampton in the UK. Jim had a long career in telecommunications and consulting both in Canada and abroad in Australia, where he lived up until his return to Nova Scotia in 1999. On returning to Nova Scotia, Jim worked as an independent energy management consultant until his passing this year.

Jim is survived by his wife Cindy MacDonald and her children Lindsay and Shamus; as well as his children Timothy Retallack and Katherine (Retallack) Mansfield; grandson Toby Mansfield; brother Dale Retallack; and nephews Matthew and Michael Retallack.

Jim was predeceased by his parents Grace and Gordon Retallack.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Intensive Care Unit staff at Valley Regional Hospital for their incredible care and compassion in Jim’s final weeks.

Interment will take place at a later date in order to fulfill Jim’s wishes to be laid to rest in St. Peter’s Parish Cemetery in Port Hood, Cape Breton. A private family celebration will be held at a later date in Wolfville. Memorial donations may be made to the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4P 1B9 (902-679-2822).