Obituary of Reginald Cantwell

Reginald Cantwell — Forever remembered, forever loved.

September 29, 1943 to July 5, 2026

It is with great sadness that the family of the late Reginald Cantwell announces his passing at Western Memorial Regional Hospital on July 5, 2026. 

Son of the late Joseph and Angela Cantwell (née McCarthy) of Corner Brook, Reg leaves to mourn: his beloved wife of 63 years, Nora (née Farrell), his son Regi Cantwell (Judy), and his daughter Peggy (Dwayne Swift), along with Todd Farrell (Kathy), granddaughter Erin (Steve Cranford), and grandsons Taylor and Kevin. Reg will also be profoundly missed by his four remaining siblings: Maria Dicks (Vince, deceased), Ursula Anstey (David), Sylvia Hiscock (Lindy), and Elizabeth Cantwell (Bruce Taylor). He will also be missed by his best friend — whom he affectionately referred to as his brother — Jim Cantwell (Anita), his aunt Myrtle McCarthy (Uncle Reginald, deceased), and his dear cousin Clarence Cantwell (and Catherine), as well as by a large circle of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Reg was predeceased by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Violet and Albert Farrell of Port Aux Basques, his granddaughter Lindsay in 2025, and his late Cantwell siblings: Ellen, Sandra, Kevin (Brenda, deceased), Joseph (Deborah, deceased), and Thomas, as well as three infant siblings.

Reg was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. Known for his wonderful sense of humour and sharp wit, he made it his mission to put a smile on everyone’s face. He was a gentle and caring person for all of his life. Kind to strangers and animals, his heart was as fierce as a lion but tender as a lamb — almost to a fault, in that he would often give to others disregarding his own needs. In life, we loved him dearly, in passing, that love endures.

Reg was a mill worker at Bowater‘s/Kruger until his retirement when he began enjoying boating and fishing from his cabin at Madore’s Cove, Bay of Islands — which eventually became his and Nora’s idyllic summer home. They sincerely appreciated the kindness and generosity of their special friends at Madore’s Cove who were always there whenever they needed them. 

Reg truly loved music and could always be found playing his guitar and singing songs by Johnny Cash and many older songs from his younger days.

We, the family would like to share our gratitude to Dr. Young (family doctor) and to the many nurses, staff and doctors of Western Memorial Regional Hospital and the Cardiac Care unit of the Health Sciences Complex in St. John’s for the excellent care provided to Reg these past few years. A special thank you for the staff of 4D and the WMRH Palliative Care unit staff for providing a comforting and caring environment during Reg’s last few weeks. Special thanks are shared with Father Edward Terry for his visits and offering of prayers with Reg during his hospital stay.

As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the SPCA or charity of one's choice in Reg’s name.

As per Reg’s wishes, cremation has already taken place and a celebration of Reg’s full and beautiful life will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, with a visitation from 12 Noon to 3:00 p.m. at Fillatre’s Funeral home, 4 Marks Avenue, Corner Brook, NL The funeral service will be held in the chapel at Fillatre’s at 3:00 p.m. immediately following visitation with Father Edward Terry officiating.

Interment will follow at a later date.

The funeral service can be viewed live through the following link

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=b08da561-e5c3-4fd7-9363-f79aedef52b5