John 'Jack' Malcolm MacLeod
John 'Jack' Malcolm MacLeod, 90, of Sydney passed away Friday, May 22, 2015, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Jack was born on a farm in Valleyfield, P.E.I., to Malcolm S. And Rachael (Ross) MacLeod, both Gaelic speakers. He was the last of his immediate family.
In June 1943 he enlisted in the Canadian Army (LAA Artilery) and served in Canada and overseas. He returned to Canada in July 1945.
After army service completed in September 1945, he enrolled at Acadia University and later at Mount Allison, Pine Hill, and UNB where he completed BA, BED, MED and Certificate in Guidance. He was ordained as a United Church minister and served three United Church pastorates, Matapedic, Que., St. Peters, N.S., and Port Simpson, B.C. (at which time he taught in the Indian Day School).
He then served as Principal at Hartley Bay, B.C., an isolated Indian Village reached only by boat or chartered plane.
He taught at Bella Bella, B.C. for six years. He then worked as a travelling guidance counsellor based in Vancouver, B.C. but working with a federal government high school boarding program for children from coastal and northern communities. These students were placed in schools (provincial high schools) in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. He retired from this job and the government service after 15 years. Then for 20 years he worked with the Veteran’s Housing Society in Vancouver. This was a job he loved, providing a home for Veterans who would be in some cases, homeless.
He leaves Elsie, his helpmate and wife of 60 years, he is also survived by his nephews, John (Carol ) MacLeod, Dr. Rod MacLeod and Ian Robertson, his nieces, Catherine Robertson, Wendy (Ted) Callahag and Marylin, and several great nieces and nephews.
The strong faith in the goodness of all and the belief that everyone is deserving of respect and justice inspired him. His legacy is one of service and care for others.
Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2015, in St. Peters United Church, St. Peters, with Rev. Victor MacLeod officiating. Interment will take place in Lakeview Cemetery.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
