Donald (Danny) MacLennan
Date de décès : 30 décembre 2008
94, Glace Bay Oct. 3, 1914-Dec. 30, 2008 It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the sudden passing of our wonderful father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Danny MacLennan on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2008. Born to loving parents, Angus and Wilhema (Lynk) MacLennan, Danny was brought up on Morien Hill and then moved to Birch Street where he resided until his passing. Dad was no stranger to hard work. He went to work in Caledonia No. 4 coal mine at a young age and when it closed he moved to No. 26 mine where he worked until his retirement. At each work site he met lifelong friends and could be often found lending a helping hand to his colleagues, whether it be yard work, concrete work or simply sharing his pick-up truck. Dad was tremendously talented; had a work ethic second to none and taught his children well the importance of providing for the family. As busy as he was, going, doing and helping others he could be seen in his beautiful yard playing catch or batting the ball to his children and their friends. He enjoyed everything about the outdoors - both activities and sports. Dad was an excellent athlete in his day, playing hockey, rugby and some football. He played with the Caledonia Cubs in 1931 when they won the junior title and went on to be Cape Breton champs. He was a member of the intermediate hockey teams and was proud to have experienced playing with some who would become hockey greats in the NHL. He would have been associated with some of the elite sports teams that came out of Caledonia in the 1930s and 1940s. Besides team sports, he was an accomplished swimmer and diver. During the miners' vacation weeks he could be found camping with family and diving off the Mira Gut train bridge and car bridge into the swift current of the Mira Bay. His interest in diving he would say brought him to the end of South Street where back then there was a bridge across. It was there he would tell us that he had met the most beautiful 'little' girl in the world. He remembered dearly her dark brown eyes and eventually he was blessed to have married our wonderful mother Murial (Dookie) Stevens. Besides diving and swimming he was an avid skater. Well into his 80s he could be seen at New Waterford or the Pier rink and earlier on at the Miners' Forum. Dad's interests were many and varied and he took pride in all he did. He was responsible for creating some of the most picturesque properties in town. He had a way of blending beautiful rose bushes or shaped flower beds into the perfectly manicured lawn. Besides all the properties he so meticulously cared for, his own yard, abundant with colourful flowers and healthy vegetables were stunning. It was referred to by many as a 'Floral Paradise'. He was self-taught learning as he went along by trial and error. Dad grew all the vegetables and the most rewarding part for him was the wonderful feeling he got when he shared his harvest with friends and family. Every fall the house would be aromatic as he worked diligently on his preserves. He was also an avid fisherman - both ice and brook fishing. Being an excellent cook after the catch he could be found over the stove preparing a feast for all. Many a friend and family (especially his granddaughter Jeanne) loved his delicious fishcakes and his tasty corn beef and cabbage. Another one of Dad's many skills was that of a storyteller. He so vividly remembered stories from years gone by not forgetting a detail and always added his own perspective. He entertained many of his daughters' friends when they visited Cape Breton. He thoroughly enjoyed the home-care girls and would often know and share information about their grandparents. They enjoyed him as well. Dad was very much a people person; patient, kind and generous. He was a giver which resulted in his touching many lives and he always said his life was richer for having known them. Danny is survived by his daughters, Eleanor (David) MacDonald, Halifax, Karen (Jackie) Morrison, Glace Bay; and granddaughter, Jeanne Morrison (Oscar), living in Edmonton. Also surviving is sister-in-law, Mrs. Mary (Christopher) MacLennan, Dartmouth, N.S., and many nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Canada. He will also be greatly missed by his faithful friend and visitor, Edison Boutlier and devoted neighbour and friends, Helen and Bob Lynk. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his wife, Murial Jean (Dookie) Stevens MacLennan in 1979, his cherished grandson, Kent in 1985, and his treasured and much loved son-in-law, Jackie Morrison in 1997, sisters, Lexie, twin sisters, Bella and Sadie, Catherine, Margaret 'Sis' Boutilier, Etta and Jean, brothers, Angus, Christopher (Buster) and James MacLennan. Cremation has taken place. There will be a visitation for Dad Friday, Jan. 2 from 7-9 p.m. at Patten Funeral Home, 71 Union St., Glace Bay, 849-7520. Memorial service for both Danny and his sister Bella Rooney will be held Saturday at 2 p.m., in the Chapel at Patten Funeral Home. Family will receive friends at 1 p.m. Rev. Michael Henderson from St. Paul's Presbyterian Church will officiate. Interment for Danny MacLennan will follow the service at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens, Sydney-Glace Bay Highway. Donations may be made to charity of one's choice. Online condolences can be e-mailed to patten@seaside.ns.ca.
