Cape Breton Deaths December 22, 2008 Monday Donald 'Donnie' James MacGillivary Jan. 26, 1929 - Dec. 19, 2008 - We are very saddened to announce the passing of our Dad, Donald James MacGillivary, at home, at the age of 79 years on Dec. 19, 2008. Donnie was born in Sydney, N.S., to the late Harry Stanford MacGillivary and the late Mary (Rich) MacGillivary in 1929. Well known to his Ashby Legion buddies as 'Beep Beep' and his fellow Briand's taxicab drivers as 'Relic', Donnie was held in high regard. Donnie was everyone's 'favourite uncle.' His character, humour and quick wit enriched him to everyone who met him as far back as the days when he co-owned Kist Beverages with his brother-in law, Bev Niven. Whenever there was a party, you could count on Donnie to be there with his trusty Fender guitar to entertain endlessly. Although sad to say goodbye, we are glad that the pain he was suffering with for the last while is now over, and that in the last years of his life, he was very fortunate to have spent many hours enjoying his children and grandchildren. Donnie is survived by his former wife (but still very close) and mother of his four children, Elizabeth MacGillivary; his daughters, Diane Slaunwhite (Gary), Dartmouth, Donna Niehaus (Greg), Dartmouth, Laurie MacGillivary (Rhonda Hill), Edmonton, Alta.; and his son, Robert MacGillivary (Rosanne), Ottawa, Ont. He is also survived by his sister, Anne MacNeil, Sydney; his brothers, Clarence (Marge), Bob (Marilyn); four grandchildren, Kristen, Brett, Aidan and Angus; three stepgrandchildren, Colin, David and Ian, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Jean Niven and her husband, Bev Niven and his nephew, Jackie Niven. Donnie (Pappy) will be greatly missed by his family and all of his friends. Visitation will be held at the Atlantic Funeral Home, 771 Main St., Dartmouth, on Sunday, Dec. 28 from 7-9 p.m. A memorial service will be held Monday, Dec. 29 at 3 p.m. at Atlantic Funeral Home with Rev. Pat Malin officiating. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mildred 'Millie' Christine MacDonald (MacRae) 54, Sydney Mines - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of a dear wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, Millie MacDonald. Born in Antigonish, Jan. 7, 1954, she was the daughter of Charles MacRae, and the late Myrtle (Campbell) MacRae. Millie spent many years as an active performing musician, and as president of the Musicians Union, Local 355. Millie was a Brownie leader and was active in the Parent Teacher Association, Sydney Mines. Millie was an avid gardener with a love of the great outdoors. Millie will be remembered for her wonderful gift of laughter and for her nurturing nature. She was a calm in a storm, a light in the darkness, a shoulder for the sad, and friend to all. Millie is survived by her husband, Wayne; daughter, Lee Ann (Kenny), Halifax; sons, Hugh, Sydney Mines, and Neil, France; father, Charles MacRae, Truro; sisters, Anne Marie (Hubert), Grand Anse, Hazel (Bob) Theriault, West Bay, Charlene MacRae, Grand Anse, Heather (Denis) Gionet, Truro, and Kathy Patterson, Sydney; and brothers, Wayne (Bonnie), Dartmouth, Jim, (Sandra), Evanston, and Brian (Jeanette), Shubenacadie. Millie is also remembered and loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Millie was predeceased by her mother, Myrtle (Campbell) MacRae. In keeping with her wishes, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Donations in Millie's memory may be made to the Organ Donation and Transplant Unit at the QE II in Halifax. Online condolences may be sent to the family at jmjobesfuneralhome@ns.aliantzinc.ca. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Donnie Whynacht 54, North Sydney - It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Donnie Whynacht, 54, a resident of Peppett Street, North Sydney, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008. Born in Lunenburg, N.S., he was a son of the late Lloyd and Mary (Lavender) Whynacht. Donnie was employed as a fisherman working on draggers out of the port of Louisbourg for many years. He was passionate about his work, and enjoyed cooking for his shipmates while at sea. He later drove a taxi in Sydney for several years. He is survived by his children, Jamie (Christine) Dunn, of Marion Bridge, Lisa, Corinnea and David, all of Sydney; his granddaughter, Kianna Dunn; a brother, Jerry Lavender of Bridgewater; a sister, Sharon; several nieces and nephews; and his companion, Mary Dupont and her family. There will be no visitation or funeral service by request. A private committal service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or any charity. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney. Online condolences may be sent to info@wjdooley.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ambrose 'Coke' MacLean Sept. 27, 1923-Dec. 20, 2008 Sydney Mines - It is with deep regret that we announce the sudden passing of Ambrose 'Coke' MacLean, at home on Dec. 20, 2008. Ambrose was the son of the late Michael Vincent MacLean and the late Evelina (Almon) MacLean and was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was a member of Immaculate Conception parish, Sydney Mines. At the age of 18, Ambrose enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces, serving five years in the Second World War. In addition, he served five years as a member of the post-war merchant navy. Ambrose was employed by First Investors Insurance Company prior to entering municipal politics. He served 32 years as a councillor, deputy mayor and was a member of the Nova Scotia Police Commission. He was also a member of the Northside-Victoria District School Board, retiring in January 1992. In his younger years, Ambrose was an avid sports enthusiast as a skater, hockey and baseball player. Ambrose is survived by Edith (Higgins) MacLean, his devoted wife of 56 years. He is also survived by his son, Arthur and daughters, Amber and Michelle. Also surviving are his brother-in-law, Arthur Higgins (Marguerite) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by five brothers, Thomas, Alex, William, Osbourne and Cameron, one sister in infancy and a second sister, Matilda. The family extends sincere to Dr. Doug Kohlsmith and EHS paramedics who provided emergency care and support. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. There will be no visitation. A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 2 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, Sydney Mines, with Fr. J.J. MacDonald officiating. Reception to follow at Immaculate Conception Church. Donations may be made to the a charity of one's choice. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to d.francis@ns.sympatico.ca. We will miss and love you, forever. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Russell Wilfred Le Blanc 87, Florence - It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of our brother Russell. Russell was born Feb. 2, 1921, in Florence, C.B., the son of the late Andrew F. and Catherine (Brady) Le Blanc. He is survived by his by two sisters, Constance Russell (Sean, Toronto) and Yvonne Lambert (Halifax), as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Catherine (Florence), sister, Marguerite Pearl (Montreal), brothers, Harold Vincent (Halifax) and Ernest 'Frank' (Florence). He grew up in Florence where he attended grade school. Later he attended high school at College du St. Anne in the Annapolis Valley. After graduating from high school, he started a degree at St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish. He left university for service during the Seconld World War and was a proud member of the HMCS Joliette during the war. After the war he returned to St. Francis Xavier and graduated with a bachelor of commerce degree. He worked for several years in northern Cape Breton before leaving to work in the Canada's Arctic, as well as in Kitimat and Vancouver, B.C. for many years. He returned to Florence and lived in the family home, following his mother's death in the mid-1980s. He was admitted to the DVA Harbour View facility in July 2007, where he was a resident until his death. The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Peter Poulos, his family doctor, and the staff of Harbour View facility for the care Russell received. A Christian Mass of Burial will be held at St. Joseph's Church, Bras d'Or, at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, Fr. Peter McLeod officiating. No visitation by request of the family. He will be buried with his family at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Little Bras d'Or, at a later date. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a mass be said for the souls in purgatory. ******************************************************************************* Cape Breton Deaths courtesy of CBGHA http://www.cbgha.org