Bathurst – John Edward Dempsey, 88, formerly of Pokeshaw, passed away on Tuesday (May 19, 2009) at the Robert L Knowles Veteran’s Unit, Bathurst. Born in Portland, Maine he was the son of the late John Agusta and Janet (Gato) Dempsey. He was employed with the CNR and also fished and farmed. John was a Veteran of World War II and was a member of the Herman J. Good, V.C. Br. 18, Royal Canadian Legion, Bathurst. John was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Besides his wife, Frances (Ohearn) Dempsey of Pokeshaw, he is survived by: Two daughters: Jean (William) Lasher of Vermont; Marie (Lorenzo) Grant of Belledune; Nine sons: Jack (Doreen) of Nackawic Harold (Darlene) and Bill (Muriel) both of Pokeshaw Jim (Sharon) of Truro, NS George (Mary) of New Glasgow, NS Michael (Kathy) of Scotsburn, NS Donald (Debbie) of Barrie, ON Ken (Kathleen) of Cambridge, ON Christopher (Carole) of Comax, BC 28 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Edna; 3 brothers, Lawrence, Frank and William “Bill”. Visitation will be on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 at the Elhatton Funeral Home, (www.elhatton.com.), Bathurst. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday (May 22, 2009) at 2 p.m. from St. Simon St. Jude Church, Grande-Anse. Donations may be made to the Robert Knowles Veterans Unit or a favorite charity.