Roy H. MacEachen, 90, a longtime resident of North Sydney, slipped peacefully into Gods hands, with dignity and without pain, on Saturday, July 4, 2009, at the Northside General Hospital.
Born in North Sydney, he was the son of the late Mike and Corrine (Francis) MacEachen.
He lived all his life in Cape Breton, though at a young age, his parents and four young brothers, migrated to the United States. Roy, or ‘Sol’, as he was known to many in his early years, excelled at hockey and baseball and enjoyed all sports. He was very active in his hometown of North Sydney, and was proud to have been a co-founder of the 562 Cabot Squadron Air Cadets, and was with them in 1967, the first time they were named Top Squadron in Canada.
Roy also coached pee-wee hockey in the 1950s, having been an outstanding player himself in the junior circuit in the mid 1930s.
He continued his interest in working with young people by helping organize Little League baseball in the Town of North Sydney, in the early 50s, and held the position of president of that league for eleven consecutive years. He was always up to the challenge and willing to lend a helping hand at a moments notice.
Roy and his wife Vera, were active members of Kinsmen and Kinettes, as well as enjoying memberships for many years, at the Seaview Golf Club. He was a former member of St. Joseph parish, North Sydney, and most recently, as member of Our Lady of Fatima parish, Sydney River.
Roy was in his 57th year of service with the Royal Canadian Legion, through his affiliation with Branch #19 in North Sydney. Having been a wireless operator during the Second World War, Roy maintained his interest in communications, right into the computer age. Duplicate bridge was definitely one of Roy’s passions. As well as being a good player, he obtained his director’s licence, and was a qualified teacher of the game. He regularly played bridge online.
Round dancing became another passion, and took he and his partner to numerous get-togethers in Canada and the U.S.
For the 23 years prior to retiring in 1985, Roy worked for the provincial government as the Cape Breton Area Zone Controller for Emergency Measures (EMO). His interaction with the various municipal leaders, mayors, police and fire chiefs and departments, along with hospital and home for special care administrators, and search and rescue organizations, made his job, he said, “always a challenge and a pleasure.”
The fact that Roy’s passing came quickly on the heals of his returned cancer, is a blessing. Thank you to all that offered comforting words and support during the last few weeks as his illness progressed.
Roy is survived by his son, Greg, Sydney; grandchildren, Christopher, Halifax, and Beth Anne, Dartmouth; brothers, Mike, Largo, Fla., and Ted, Santa Clara, Calif.
He was prdeceased by his wife of 43 years, Vera (MacLean) MacEachen in 1986, and by brothers, Gordon and Frank.
There will be no visitation by request. A graveside committal service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 7 from Forest Haven Memorial Gardens, Sydney, with Rev. Jim Attwood, officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent to info@wjdooley.com.

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