Obituary of York MacEachern

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of James York Mac Eachern, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He died peacefully at the age of 89 on May 29th, 2024, while in the care of the Regional Hospital’s Palliative Care Services. York was the son of Margaret Jane (Campbell) and John (Jack) Joseph MacEachern, born and raised in Sydney. The loss of his mother at age 7 was very difficult but his father and siblings looked after and supported him through his school years. Despite the loss of an eye at age 17 in a chemistry accident, York continued to excel in sports, especially basketball, and has never let that injury slow him down. He lived his life with great presence in the moment, a wicked sense of humor, keen intellect, competitive spirt and compassionate outlook that endeared him to all that knew him. York graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1957 with a Bachelor of Commerce and after a brief stint with the Canadian Revenue Agency he pursued a teaching degree and began to teach accounting at the University College of Cape Breton. He was a gifted teacher who was able to inspire his students and in his retirement years he loved chance meetings with them. As part of the University, he was the men’s basketball coach for 11 years and Chair of Business and Technology for his last two years at UCCB, retiring in 1990. York was happiest when on adventures with his wife of 65 years, Jenevieve (Libbus), his childhood sweetheart and loyal companion. They were inseparable their entire married life and made a formidable team whether camping for months with 4 kids and a dog, building the bungalow in Grand Mira North, bowling or playing Tarabish. In 2000 he wrote the definitive book “Tarabish, How the game is played” and co-chaired the World Tarabish Championships for many years. He was a brilliant player that intimidated many of his Tarabish partners but not his beloved Jennie, his sunshine and his everything. Throughout his life, music was a constant as he had a natural ear for melody and the ability to play any instrument; a talent which amazed us all. He was masterful with his preferred instrument, the guitar, and sang with a deep resonant baritone voice that never dimmed with time. York played and sang to his children from an early age, taught Karen and Jim to play guitar and entertained at many campfires and events, enjoying the thrill of performing and spreading his joy for life. In the last two years York was in his element at Parkland and would entertain the residents who became new friends and neighbours. York is survived by his wife, Jenevieve (Libbus), loving sister, Dolores (Ken Bruleigh), his children: Sylvia (Wayne Wier), Anita (Claude Dupressoir), Karen Anne (Thomas McCulloch) and Jim (Joan Chow). He is also survived by 6 treasured grandchildren: Tara, Patrick, Catherine, Sophie, Lindsey and Nathan. York was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. A special thank you to niece Mary (Lloyd Levangie) for steadfast care and attention these many years. York was predeceased by his siblings Sister Anna (St. Margaret of York, Cnd), Sister Margaret (St. John of York, Cnd), Grace Milne, Alex, Hugh, Cam and Joseph. He was also predeceased by his long-time friends, Jim Baxter and Jim Gale and many other good friends. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive in Sydney, NS, 902-539-7175. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Monday, June 3, 2 - 4 pm, with a service at 4 pm in the chapel, Fr. Bill Burke officiating, and reception to follow. The service will be live streamed via a link available on the T.J. Tracey Facebook page and will be available afterward for viewing. The interment will be held at a later date to accommodate family members that are at a distance. In Lieu of flowers, we ask that memorial donations be made to the Cape Breton Healthcare Complex Palliative Care Service at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. We thank the staff of the Cape Breton Regional hospital and the palliative care unit for the excellent loving care that York received. We further extend gratitude to the residents and staff of Parkland Cape Breton for their continued love and support. York was a good and honorable man who lit up every room and filled people’s hearts with his laughter, music and beautiful voice. He was the fun. Words of condolence may be made to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.