Obituary
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MacKay, John Malcolm "Johnny Eli" – Little Narrows March 23, 1939 - March 25, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father, Johnny, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, due to complications from COVID. Born at Whycocomagh Portage, he was one of twelve children born to the late Eli and Amy (Baker) MacKay. He was a member of St. Barra Parish, Iona.
He is survived by his daughters, Ann Marie (MacKay MacNeil), Joanie (Rodney) Munro, and Johna Edwards; grandchildren, Riley, Emma, Grace, and McKenna; sisters, Maude (Billy) Livingstone and Vicky (Lucy) Piercey; sisters-in-law, Shirley, Betty, Teaney and Cassie (Dougie) MacRitchie; many nieces and nephews including a special niece, Marie; and Sandy MacNeil who helped him with many projects over the years.
He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, Clemmie (MacDonald – April 13, 2021), sisters, Eva (Clarence Morris) and Roseanna (Donald MacIver); brothers, Alfred, Charlie, Murdock, Gussie, Neilie (Rose), Angus (Betty), and Sandy.
When Dad was young, he enjoyed ice fishing with his father and working with his mother delivering the mail to Whycocomagh Portage and Alba. He always enjoyed working in the woods, cutting pulp and hauling it out with his tree farmer. He operated heavy duty equipment for himself and for other construction companies. He also took over hauling of water after Angus, his brother, retired.
At home, Dad was very meticulous. If you ever drove by the house and the lawn wasn’t mowed or the driveway not plowed, you knew something was "amiss". Watching the ATV Evening News was a must, finding out about people, politics, and the weather predicted. If we missed the news or weather during the week, we knew we would have a recap on Sunday with him asking, "Did you hear...?" and so the story continued shortly followed by the weather forecast for the week. Poppy Kay was very proud of his grandchildren and looked forward to their visits.
We would like to extend sincere thanks to: Dr. Genge, Barb Cooke, Dr. Ritter, Cathy MacMillan RN, Paulette Levin RN, Anne Trickett, Shannan Kerr, Homecare and Home Support Teams, Sharon Parsons, and Nancy MacKeigan. Also, a special thank you to all the staff at Victoria County Memorial Hospital who helped Dad in every way. In January, Dad went to the Harbourview Facility in Sydney Mines where Lorna O’Grady, Facility Administrator, and staff welcomed him to his new home and made him comfortable. He was there for a short time and then went to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital where he passed two days after his 83rd birthday. To all the staff on 3B at the hospital, thank you for doing so much for Dad, but especially on his birthday.
Family flowers only, please.
Visitation will be Saturday, April 2, from 10 – 11 a.m. at St. Columba Roman Catholic Church, Iona, with funeral mass following at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery, MacKinnon’s Harbour. Unfortunately, as we have just experienced, COVID is still around us. For those attending, please wear a mask.
Arrangements are under the care of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Whycocomagh. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com
Visitation Information Visitation
Saturday, April 2, 2022
Visitation Time
10 -11a.m.
Visitation Location
St Columba Roman Catholic Church, Iona
Service Information Service Date
Saturday, April 2, 2022
Service Time
11 a.m.
Service Location
St Columba Roman Catholic Church, Iona
Burial Information Burial Date
Saturday, April 2, 2022
Burial Time
Following funeral mass
Burial Location
Sacred Heart Cemetery, McKinnon's Harbour
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