Obituary of Donald Nicholson MacLeod

It is with heavy hearts and extreme sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Donald Nicholson MacLeod of Pleasant Hill (King’s Road), Port Hastings on Thursday, October 5^th, 2023, at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home in Antigonish where he spent the last two months.

Born in Sydney and raised on the family farm in Kempt Road, Richmond Co., he was the son of the late Norman and Florence (Nicholson) MacLeod. He attended the one-room school in Kempt Road and then Isle Madame District High in Arichat, before enrolling in the motor vehicle repair (bus and transport) at the vocational school in Halifax. He was a red seal truck and transport mechanic and worked at various garages in the area, the pulp mill, and Arlington Ford in Massachusetts for a short time. He and his cousin Hugh MacLeod owned and operated Mac Motors in Port Hawkesbury for a number of years before he was employed at N.S. Department of Transportation until his retirement in 2005. He also did the repairs for his brother, Arnold’s company, AML Painting. He continued upgrading his qualifications until his retirement. He was not only a skilled mechanic but had a knack for figuring out how things worked, (especially electrical) and repairing them.

Donald was a 28-year AA member, an Affiliate member of Br. 43 Royal Canadian Legion, and a member of the N.S. Government Retired Employees Association.

Donald and Beryl were together for 43 years and had a “Millennium Wedding” on January 1, 2000. They both enjoyed travelling, spending many vacations in Florida, and attending Nascar races (one of Donald’s greatest passions), camping, especially at River Ryan Campground, old country music, going to dances and spending time with relatives and friends. They were both dog lovers and donated to many animal rescue shelters.

Donald is survived by his wife Beryl (Langley) MacDonald-MacLeod; her children Bobby (Kelly) MacDonald (Carl, Dylan, Brooke); Gary (Shelley) MacDonald (Lennie, Jessie); Dale (LeeAnn) MacDonald (Ally, Ryan) and Kimmie MacDonald; his children Wayne, Catherine (the late Jeff Pilote) (Sarah, Olivia), and Brent (Mary)(Brianna). He is also survived by sisters, Barbara (the late David Wood) and Jane; and brother Arnold (Maureen). Predeceased by brother Billy MacLeod, and ex-wife Marie, the mother of his children. He was also pre-deceased by Kimmie’s daughter, our first grandchild, Shelby Beryl Phillips, who was his pride and joy. She died tragically in 2011 and he was devastated by her loss and always took the time to remember her and talk about her, especially to reminisce with Kimmie.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 20^th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Funeral service will be held at St. David’s United Church, Port Hastings at 2pm on Saturday, October 21^st with Margie MacIntyre officiating. Burial of ashes to follow at Southbrook Cemetery, Port Hawkesbury.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to CMC2 Dog Rescue, Forget Me Not Rescue, SPCA – Cape Breton branch, or any dog rescue.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury.

Remember him with a smile today

He was not one for tears

Reflect instead on memories,

Of all the happy years.