John 'Archie' MacMaster
Passed in: Inverness, Canada
Passed on: December 10th, 2013
Archie MacMaster passed away on Dec. 10, 2013 at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital surrounded by family.
Archie is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Kay (MacDonald); sons, Jim (Mary MacLeod), Inverness, N.S., Ron (Anita Fabac), Burlington, Ont.; daughter, Jayne Beaton, Inverness, N.S.; daughter-in-law, Anne (MacDougall), Scottsville, N.S. and brother, A.L., Dearborn MI. Archie was proud of all six of his grandchildren, Carla (Corey), Mitchell (Shannon), Cheryl (Breton), Quinn, Tyler and Caroline.
Archie was predeceased by his son, John; son-in-law, Kevin Beaton; parents, Katie and Charlie and brothers, Sandy, Danny, Lawrence, Bernie and three brothers in infancy. Like many of his generation Archie heard the call and volunteered for the Canadian military during the Second World War. Archie was a member of the Nova Scotia Highlanders and later the Cape Breton Highlanders. Archie was part of the Allied invasion of Sicily and the Italian mainland where he was seriously wounded. Archie spent time in a military hospital in Rome, was airlifted to London but not before his airplane came under attack en route. Archie spent time in hospital in England, eventually returning to Canada aboard the Queen Mary when it was used for military service. Archie convalesced in Camp Hill Hospital, Halifax and remained there well after the war in Europe ended. Archie rarely spoke of his experiences in the war to his family only to say, “It was just awful.”
After the war Archie had a trucking company, ran a British Petroleum bulk oil station, worked with Ingraham’s Ambulance and retired from McLean’s Agency. In his day Archie was always community minded and supported many efforts in Inverness. Archie was a loyal Invernesser, the town he was born and lived. He was a proud supporter of his community and its people. He was a devout Catholic who had a very strong faith and he attended and supported Stella Maris Church all his life. He served as a volunteer fireman, was a member of Stella Maris Parish council, and St. Mary's hospital. He devoted much time to the up keep of his parish's cemetery and maintenance needs. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 132 and the Knights of Columbus. Archie was a true and proud Canadian patriot. Archie loved all sports but never claimed to have a favourite team or favourite sport for that matter. He coached and supported local teams above all and often attended games of all sports rooting for his hometown. He like many fellow Invernessers loved the racetrack, he owned and drove some of his own beloved horses. Archie closely followed politics and was firmly committed to one political party his entire life but had close friends from all political stripes. He never met a stranger as he was always quick to make friends. Archie loved a good laugh, a good drink and will be missed dearly by his family and by those who knew him.
Visitation will be held in Inverness Funeral Home on Friday, Dec. 13 from 2– 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. Funeral mass will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. in Stella Maris Church, Inverness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or to the Stella Maris Cemetery Fund.
Online condolences may be made to www.invernessfuneralhome.com.
