William Joseph ‘Bill’ MACINNIS
Passed on: June 28th, 2017
After a courageous six week battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, the Bill MacInnis “Die Laughing” Farewell Tour came to an end on Wednesday, June 28, 2017. As he had hoped he would, Billy (69) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
Born in Port Hawkesbury to the late Angus and Cassie (MacMaster) MacInnis, Bill lived a life full of mischief and adventure. A graduate of Port Hawkesbury High School, Bill went on to pursue studies at “Little X” (Sydney, NS), then completed his B.B.A. at St. FX. This led to a 33 year career at Stora Forest Industries. Upon his retirement, Bill enjoyed driving all over the Maritime Provinces for local car dealerships, and playing the role of “Uncle Yaris”.
Bill actively volunteered with numerous organizations in his community and church, but he most enjoyed working with youth through his activities with the religious education Confirmation group, and his more than 25 year involvement with the Island Community Justice Society.
Armed with a wicked sense of humor, a glint in his eye, and an endless supply of jokes, Bill brought joy and laughter to the lives of all who knew him. Ever the optimist, and deeply rooted in his faith, he faced all challenges in life with a positive attitude and a smile. He would often say, “Your attitude determines your latitude!”. Diagnosed with MS at the age of 30, Bill squeezed every single ounce of living out of life – including his trips to South Bend, Indiana, to cheer on his beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team. And in the end, only Billy could turn a terminal diagnosis of leukemia into a joyful “Farewell Tour”.
Bill is survived by his cherished wife of over 40 years, Elizabeth (Anderson) MacInnis, and leaves behind to carry on his legacy of laughter, his children, Moira (Dr. Michel) Chiasson, Cheticamp, Andrew (Jill) MacInnis, Port Hastings and Megan (Trent) Austen, New Minas, and his cherished grandchildren, Catherine, Allan and Molly Chiasson, Samuel, Nora and Benjamin MacInnis, and Maggie Austen. He is also survived by his siblings, Frank (Mary) MacInnis and Kate MacMillan; in-laws, Brian (Wendy) Anderson, Gayle Anderson, Wayne MacMillan, Robert (Jayne) Anderson, Karen (Ismet) Topic, David (Terri) Anderson, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
He was predeceased by brothers, Blaise and Brian; parents-in-law, Andy and Eileen Anderson; brother-in-law, Ken Anderson, and nephew, Kyle MacMillan.
Visitation will be held today Monday, July 3 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 4 in St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Port Hawkesbury, Father Bill Crispo officiating. Burial in St. Joseph Parish Cemetery.
Family flowers only, please. Donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the Strait Richmond Palliative Care Society or St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Port Hawkesbury.
Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com.
“Live each day like it’s your last. One day, you’ll get it right.”
