We celebrate the long and distinguished life of Donald Nicholson MacInnes, 85, of Stellarton who passed into the hands of the Lord with dignity and peace, surrounded by his loving family on November 9, 2012 at the Aberdeen Hospital. He bravely fought a long battle against two terrible foes, dementia and cancer.
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, a son of the late Archibald MacDonald MacInnes and Margaret Nicholson MacInnes, he immigrated with his family to their new home in Canada when he was only nine months old. Over the years he enjoyed close ties with his family in Scotland and the heritage of that ancient culture, but his love was Canada that was his home. He was a true Canadian, honest in action and speech, hard working and diligent, a man that was ready to serve his community in many ways.
He served his community as a business man. After leaving the family farm, he worked at various jobs, saving money to buy his first business, an Esso service station in Blue Acres. His business was well known and highly regarded, Donald or “Donnie” as he was often called, was at the pumps and always at the service of his customers. The love of his life, his wife Winifred, “Winnie”, ran a lunch counter in the garage that served many delicious meals. Together they built a good life and provided great service to all who came and many, many came.
Donald sold that successful business to work and manage other businesses with the same dedication to excellence that defined everything he did. In addition, he purchased and maintained a portfolio of rental properties that provided good homes at low cost to many people.
Service was always a large part of Donald MacInnes’ life. He spent many years as a productive member on the Pictou County District School Board, as a returning officer for several federal elections, as a brother and adherent of the Masonic Lodge, as a Shiner who participated in the many charitable functions they undertake and as a member of the United Church. He was always available to give help and advice to any who sought his experience and insight about his beloved community and how they might serve.
Donald is survived by his sons Donald and Scott, both at home; a sister Rena MacDonald, MacLellan’s Brook; brothers, John MacInnes, Halifax; Robert MacInnes, NB.
He leaves a large extended family of nieces and nephews and cousins in Canada and Scotland. His family extends a special thank you to his dedicated and wonderful friend, Laila Long.
He was predeceased by his wife Winifred MacInnes; brother, Charlie MacInnes; brother-in-law, James MacDonald; sister-in-law, Alice MacInnes.
The family will receive visitors from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., Monday, November 12, 2012 in the H.C. MacQuarrie Funeral Chapel, Stellarton. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Sharon St. John United Church, Stellarton with Rev. John Roy presiding. Reception to follow in the church hall. Burial will take place in the Six Mile Brook Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Donald may be made to the Palliative Care Society of the Aberdeen Hospital.
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