Joseph Alexander MacKinnon
Passed in: Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: August 6th, 2010
Joseph Alexander MacKinnon, 95, passed away suddenly on Friday, Aug. 6, 2010, at Taigh Na Mara, Glace Bay, where he had resided for the past year. Joe was a lifelong resident of Sydney Mines. He moved to Harbour View DVA in 2008 and to Taigh Na Mara in July 2009.
He is the last surviving member of his family.
Predeceased by his parents, Mary Elliott and Michael MacKinnon, his wife, Agnes 'Nessie' (Dickson) as well as 18 brothers and sisters.
He is survived by two nieces in Cape Breton, Helen Ryan, New Victoria and Joanne Armstrong, Sydney. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and extended family throughout Canada and the U.S. During his lifetime he developed many good and lasting friendships whose company he enjoyed. Uncle Joe will be sadly missed by his great-grandniece, Stephanie MacMaster, who entertained him weekly with little songs and sharing of chocolates and candy.
Joe served his country with the Cape Breton Highlanders in continental Europe from 1940-45. Upon his discharge from the war he returned to Sydney Mines and became a businessman, eventually opening up a service station on Main Street which he operated until he retired in 1986.
Joe was a devout Catholic, attending mass each day until his health began to fail. He then watched the televised mass twice a day and was a strong supporter of the mass originating in Sydney and Toronto. Joe was heavily involved in the raising of funds for the building of St. Pius X Church.
He was a member of the Canadian Legion Branch 008. He was a lifetime member of the Kinsmen and enjoyed being involved in the town's Christmas parades. He was involved with the Knights of Columbus becoming a 4th degree Knight in 1983. He was a strong supporter of the less fortunate - helping to support L'Arche House, the food bank, the Scarborough Missions, and the Passionist Fathers. For many years he sponsored a number of overseas foster children.
Joe was an avid fisherman - loving to fish at Margaree. He had a special interest in the history of Sydney Mines. He loved to watch hockey and baseball games on TV.
The family wishes to thank all his caregivers and friends that made his life enjoyable and cared about his interests. A special thanks to Dr. Elizabeth MacCormick for her many years of professional and friendly caring. Joe truly enjoyed their relationship.
Visitation Tuesday evening, 7-9 p.m., in Francis Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St. Pius X Church with Fr. Thomas John officiating. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Family flowers only. Donations may be made to a charity of your own choice.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to d.francis@ns.sympatico.ca.
