Donald 'Donnie' James MacGillivary
Passed on: December 19th, 2008
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.
