John (Jack) Alexander Bonaparte

32,  Reserve Mines 

It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the loss of our beloved son and brother Jack Bonaparte who lost his courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, March 4, 2006 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. 

Born on April 6, 1973 in Glace Bay, Jack is survived by his parents, Jack and Geraldine (Aucoin), his brother Jamie (Debbie), sister Joleen (Joey) , special neice Kersten, his grandmother Catherine Bonaparte, many loving uncles and cousins, numerous friends, cherished godchildren and girlfriend Lisa Weatherhead. 

Jack is pre-deceased by his grandparents Maude and Kenneth Aucoin, John (Smokey) Bonaparte, Uncles Ronnie, Kenny, Billy, Dougie. 

A graduate of Reserve District High School, Jack went on to study Broadcast Journalism at Loyalist College and became a well known media personality throughout Atlantic Canada.  Jack was best recognized for promoting the music and careers of many East Coast musicians.  Jack began his radio career at CIGO in Part Hawkesbury. He later accepted a position at Sydney’s Oldies 950, where he hosted the popular “Wake up to Cape Breton”.  Jack also worked in television as an announcer for local sports events such as the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles games and the New Waterford Coal Bowl and host for numerous fundraisers and telethons including the Eastlink Foodlink Telethon. 

After moving to Halifax, Jack started the popular radio show “The East Coast Kitchen Racket” and went on to host the nationally syndicated radio program “East Coast Countdown” for which he received numerous awards including the 2006 ECMA for Industry Professional of the Year, 2005 MIANS Industry Professional of the Year, two time MIANS Media Professional of the Year and was a four time ECMA nominee. 

Outside of broadcasting, Jack also worked in sales at EDS, Eastlink and went on to build a successful career with Xerox Corporation in Halifax. 

Jack will be remembered for his tireless work in promoting local events and concerts such as “Lambert Todd Days” in Reserve Mines, and “Rock the Dock” in Sydney as well as his work at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay. 

Jack is also well known for his volunteer efforts in the community where in addition to his involvement in local festivals and benefit concerts, he gave his time as a baseball coach and umpire. 

Jack’s tremendous attitude and courage throughout his illness was an example for all who knew him and will give us the strength and support needed in this time of loss.

 Visitation will be Sunday 7 pm- 9 pm and Monday 2 pm-4pm and 7 pm- 9 pm  at  MacGillivray’s Funeral Home in Glace Bay.  Funeral service will be held at 10 am  Tuesday at St Joseph’s Church in Reserve Mines.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Palliative Care at Cape Breton Regional Hospital.   

Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at jack@eastcoastcountdown.com

To Listen the East Coast Countdown Tribute show for Jack click here.

The read Jack's online diary click here.