Donald William MacGillivray
Passed in: Sydney, Nova Scotia
Passed on: November 14th, 2018
Donald William MacGillivray, age 75, passed away on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
He was the son of the late Charles Donald ‘Duffy’ MacGillivray and Isobel ‘Bunny’ Bryson, both of Sydney.
Don is survived by sisters, June Rushton, Comox, BC and Corinne Stewart of Nanaimo, BC. He was predeceased by his first wife, Elaine Campbell.
After leaving Cape Breton, Don did a short stint as a pilot in the RCAF, before pursuing an outstanding career in academia. Don gave his best to all his pursuits and was a history professor at Cape Breton University for over 35 years, with his specialties Cape Breton labour and Irish histories. His doctoral thesis consisted of a book: Captain Alex MacLean: Jack London’s Sea Wolf; MacLean was a native of East Bay, and an internationally recognized “sailor, sealer and folk hero”. Don’s book was carefully and exhaustively researched. A dedicated and tireless community contributor, he served 27 years as a volunteer firefighter with the Big Pond Volunteer Fire Department, was managing editor of a local newsletter: The Big Pond Times, and was, for many years, a willing volunteer with the Big Pond Concert events. He also devoted much time and energy to union and labour issues, both at his workplace and in the wider sphere as well.
Don MacGillivray was fiercely proud of his “Ashby” roots and equally attached to his later adopted home of Big Pond and its people.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date in Big Pond.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com.
