Obituary of John Edward MacArthur

It is with profound sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of John Edward MacArthur - devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend. At the age of 79, Edward passed away peacefully on December 22, 2023, surrounded by his family. Raised in Prime Brook, Edward was the son of the late Archie and Jessie (MacIsaac) MacArthur. Edward grew up on Alexandra Street, the eldest boy of seven children. Edward would later settle in the community of East Bay where he built his family home with his wife Margaret (Baba). Their home became the centre of many family gatherings over the years and was always filled with love. Prior to his retirement, Edward worked in construction as a plumber and was a proud member of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters, Local 682. After retirement he remained busy with various projects around the house and family bungalow in Ross Ferry - a very special place where the MacArthur family would gather over the years. Edward served as a member of The Knight’s of Columbus, M.M. Coady Council 9476 and spent many years as a member of the East Bay Volunteer Fire Department. Edward loved his family dearly and forever remained the big brother to his siblings. He was always willing to lend a helping hand in times of need. Edward cherished his time with his family - Sunday drives, dinners shared with family and friends and visits “in-home” to 724 Alexandra Street were highlights in his week. Sunday evenings were often spent listening to the Donnie Campbell show. Edward is survived by his wife of 50 years, Margaret “Baba” (MacLean); loving daughter Jan (Avery) MacDonald; his pride and joy, granddaughter, Darian MacDonald; brother Danny (Ruth); sisters, Clara (Sandy) MacNeil, Velma Gillis, Penny MacArthur; half-brother Danny MacIsaac; brothers-in-laws Angus Gillis and A.J. MacLean; sister-in-law Sarah (Bruce) Mitham and his many nieces, nephews and extended family that all held a special place in his heart. Besides his parents and his parents-in-law, Alex and Jessie MacLean, Edward was predeceased by his siblings, Ann and Brian MacArthur; brothers-in-law, William and Gus MacLean; sister-in-law Bernadette MacLean; nephew Michael MacIsaac and niece Heather Gillis. The family is very grateful to the first responders, the VON, Dr. Paul Murphy, Dr. Baroudi Fashir, Dr. George Burns, Dr. Brendan McCarville, Nurse Heather Skinner and the many nurses, staff and volunteers at the An Cala Palliative Care Unit for their wonderful care and empathy during Edward’s time of need. We would also like to thank Fr. Anthony O’Connor for his spiritual support and guidance. Visitation for the late Edward MacArthur will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 4-7 pm at T.J. Tracey’s Funeral Home, 6 Churchill Dr. Sydney, N.S, 902-539-7175. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 29, 2023, at St. Mary’s Parish Church, East Bay at 10 am with Fr. O’Connor officiating. Reception to follow at East Bay Firehall. Interment will take place in East Bay Cemetery at a later date. Donations in Edward’s memory can be made to the Cape Breton Hospital Foundation - Palliative Care or St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery Fund. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.