Sir John Duncan McKeigan
With saddened hearts and appreciation for a life well lived the family of Sir Duncan McKeigan announce his peaceful passing at the wonderful age of 95.
Born in North Sydney, he was the son of the late George and Mary Belle (MacKinnon) McKeigan.
He worked for 46 years at Marine Atlantic before his retirement in 1985. Duncan was a proud and dedicated member of Carman United Church in Sydney Mines and a founding member of the Golden Kiwanis, North Sydney. He was honorary president and a proud life member of the Sydney Mines Legion Breton Branch 008. In his early years, he was a well-known hockey referee and received many accolades as a dedicated volunteer in his community. In 2010 he carried the Olympic torch through his hometown which gave him great joy.
Duncan enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army in 1942 serving in the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion and later in the North Shore Regiment. He was wounded three times. His greatest military honour was being appointed as a Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour of France in 2016.
He was predeceased by his loving wife, Freda; as well as his parents and sisters, Mary and Elizabeth; two brothers in infancy and grandson, Derrick. He will lovingly be remembered by his four girls, Carolyn (William Dunlop) of Riverview, NB, Patricia (Jim Canty) of Cole Harbour, NS, Judith (Dana Flemming) of Brookfield, NS, and Deborah (David Atkinson) of Cole Harbour, NS; four grandsons, David (Christina) of Winnipeg, Darren (Isabelle) of St. Lambert, Quebec, Peter and Scott of Cole Harbour, NS; his five great-grandchildren, Kyla, Brooklyn and Noah of Winnipeg, Olivia and Charlie of St. Lambert, Que; as well as many nieces and nephews.
There will be no visitation. A celebration of his life will be held 11 a.m. on June 8, 2019 at Carman United Church, Clyde Ave., Sydney Mines. A reception will follow at the Royal Canadian Legion next to the Church)
Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Northside/Harbourview Hospital Foundation {Veterans}, Carman United Church or the Royal Canadian Legion, Breton Branch 008.
Sincere appreciation to Harbourview Hospital (Veterans) and Camp Hill Hospital for their compassionate care of our father.
Online condolences may be viewed or shared with the family at: fillmoreandwhitman.com.
