William Kenneth (Ken) MacVicar
Born In: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: April 27th, 1938
Passed in: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: February 16th, 2019
Late Saturday February 16, 2019 Cape Breton lost one of its greatest ambassadors and the world one of its kindest men. William Kenneth (“Ken”) MacVicar, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 with family by his side at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax. Ken, born in Glace Bay, NS was the son of the late Norman and Effie (MacLean) MacVicar.
Ken began his career in the banking industry with The Bank of Nova Scotia where he enjoyed (and about which often reminisced) working as an inspector travelling from branch to branch in Nova Scotia. He went on to become a Branch Manager in Montreal and Ottawa before returning to his beloved Cape Breton where his entrepreneurial spirit led him to several endeavors including a successful UAP/NAPA auto parts store in Glace Bay and, later, Executive Director of Enterprise Cape Breton from 1987-1990. Ken always felt motivated to give back to his community and was a member of several boards and charitable organizations including the St. Joseph’s Hospital Board in Glace Bay, the Shriners (Philae Temple), and the Freemasons (Tyrian Youth Lodge #45). Ken was devoted to the United Church of Canada most notably Knox Church in Glace Bay and St. John’s United Church in Fall River.
Next to his unconditional love for family and friends, Ken’s greatest love was for Cape Breton Island. This led to his most passionate hobby: “spinning the yarn” about all things Cape Breton. He also enjoyed feeding and watching the birds until his last days.
Ken is predeceased by his loving wife Marjorie Ann (MacDonald) MacVicar and daughter Marion Joanne. Ken is survived by his daughter Debbie MacVicar of Dartmouth; son Andrew (Eden) MacVicar of Liverpool; grandchildren Brandon, Sara, Phoebe, and Oliver; nephew Kevin Sterns; nephew Bruce Campbell; and two nieces Sandy (Campbell) Parfitt and Nancy (Campbell) Reed.
Cremation has taken place. In keeping with his love of Cape Breton, a celebration of Ken’s life will take place this summer in Glace Bay.
Ken’s family would like to thank the staff at the QEII and Ivany Place in Bedford for the compassionate care they have provided.
In lieu of flowers please “pay forward” Ken’s kindness to a charity of your choice or by simply engaging in a random act of kindness to a stranger. He would appreciate that.
Ken will be greatly missed but his kindness will live on in the memories he has created for all those he has touched. We love you dad.
