Gary MacLeod
Lieu de naissance : Glace Bay
Lieu de décès : White's Lake
Date de décès : 14 juillet 2014
Gary MacLeod, 59, of White’s Lake, loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grand-uncle and loyal friend, died unexpectedly at home July 14, 2014, leaving behind a ton of great memories, and his proudest legacies: his daughter, Sarah and son, Matthew.
Born in Glace Bay to Gerald and Elizabeth (Toth) MacLeod, Gary didn’t have the easiest life. His mom died when he was seven, his big brother, Howard when he was 18, his dad before he was thirty, and just three years ago, his oldest sister, Frankie (Khattar), the family Matriarch to her six younger siblings.
After attending Morrison High School and Acadia University, where he was known to organize some of the “best parties ever”, Gary worked on the oil rigs in the Beaufort Sea and as an Occupational Health and Safety Inspector with the Department of Labour and, most recently, the Halifax Regional School Board. In 1996, he was keen to go where few men dared to tread, becoming one of the first men in the province to sign up for paternity leave and become “Mr. Mom” to his infant son and four-year old daughter. Despite a number of health issues brought on by Type 1 diabetes in his early twenties, Gary worked hard to provide his children with the things he never had. He built a play court and tree house in the backyard saying “I’d rather have every kid in the neighbourhood come here, than worry about where mine might be.” Always painting, building, fixing or planting something, Gary didn’t like being idle and always had another project for he and Matt to work on. In recent years, as his health deteriorated he would make his way to renal dialysis three times a week for hours at a time, often leaving early to pick up candy for the nurses or to visit a sick friend. He was a solid guy with a big heart who rarely complained, who looked at each day he had with his family and friends as a bonus and who took great pleasure in the smaller things in life, like watching the kids play hockey or basketball in the back yard, or taking his Alfa out for a spin with the top down and the Blues Brothers playing.
He leaves behind his wife of 27 years, Moira Leigh (MacInnis) also of Glace Bay; two great kids, who were the light of his life; sisters, Geraldine Grychowski (Bruce) Bedford, Wanda MacLeod (Randy Corbin) Bedford, Cathy MacKenzie (David) Toronto; his brother and best friend, Lloyd MacLeod (Bev) Glace Bay, many nieces and nephews, his dog and constant side-kick, Cassie, and a large number of friends who enjoyed his company, his easy-going manner and kind heart.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax (455-0531) on Monday, July 21 at 2 p.m., followed by a “party”, as Gary wanted it, at the family home he was so proud of.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences at www.jasnowfuneralhome.com.
