Obituary of Blaine Joseph Sloan

Blaine “BJ” Joseph Sloan, age 40, passed away, leaving a space that can never be filled and a love that will never fade.

Born on March 1,1985, BJ grew up in Gaspereau Lake, where his deep connection to the outdoors began. He later made his home in North Grant with his spouse of 20 years, Amanda Lawrence, where together they built a life rooted in love, family, and shared dreams.

BJ was a devoted spouse and an incredibly proud father to Samarah and Jaden. 

He loved his family fiercely and let it be known to them even in the toughest of times and one of his greatest joys was spending time with them—especially teaching his son, Jaden, the mechanical and outdoorsman skills he knew so well, passing down not just knowledge, but patience, confidence, and pride. He had a deep love for animals, a trait he passed down to his daughter, Samarah . 

BJ loved being outdoors—riding wheelers, fishing, hunting, and visiting camps. He was always tinkering with small engines, happiest with his hands busy and a problem to solve. Music was the soundtrack of his life, with oldies always playing in the background. He also loved to cook, these skills he often talked about learning from his father and enjoyed unwinding by bingeing on true crime shows, just like his mother, on quieter days. 

A dedicated dozer operator with Nova Construction, BJ took pride in his work and often shared stories about the camaraderie and jokes played among the crew—stories that reflected his sense of humor and the bond he shared with his coworkers.

He was known for being kind, patient, intelligent, and fiercely protective of the people he loved. BJ lived life to the fullest. He believed deeply in enjoying every moment, often saying, “You only live once.” That philosophy shaped the way he loved, worked, and lived.

He will be lovingly remembered by his partner Amanda Lawrence, daughter Samarah Sloan (Austin Knocton); son Jaden Sloan; sisters, Tanya (Shawn) Boyle and Alex Deyoung; sister-in-law Samantha Lawrence (Brandon Hulbert); parents, Helen Sloan and Sterling Deyoung; grandmother Mary Sloan; father-in-law Wayne Lawrence and mother-in-law Anne Lawrence; nephews Devon, Dallas, and Louis; niece Dakota, as well as many extended family members, friends, and coworkers.

BJ was predeceased by his maternal grandfather George Sloan, and his paternal grandparents Bernard Deyoung and Janette Deyoung.

Visitation will take place from 6-8 PM on Wednesday, January 21st in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish. A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the family. 

BJs presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.