Obituary of Neil Clarence MacDonald

With great sadness, we share the passing of Neil Clarence “Clary” MacDonald, 77, of Sydney, on October 10, 2024, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late Allan R. and Marguerite (MacLean) MacDonald. Prior to retirement, Clary worked for Superior Propane as a Service Technician. Clary was happiest when tinkering in the backyard and putting his skills to work. He was always willing to lend a helping hand by fixing something for a neighbor, a friend, or a stranger. Clary would often get calls from old friends and colleagues looking for a part or advice on how to fix something. Clary loved his neighbors and considered them family. Clary and his neighbours, aka ‘after six club’, could be found outside in the evening enjoying a coffee and discussing daily events. The neighbours lovingly called him “ Mr. Wilson." Clary was an avid sports fan, especially the New York Islanders, Cape Breton Eagles, and the Toronto Blue Jays. In his younger years, Clary loved bowling, playing hockey and he took great pride in coaching baseball. Some of Clary’s fondest memories were of his summers spent at the old homestead in Orangedale. Clary is survived by his wife of 53 years, Esther MacDonald (MacKinnon); his daughters, Michelle Thistle (Bruce), and Melissa MacDonald (Brian Chiasson); son, Dwayne MacDonald (Angela Mercer), and his fur baby Jasper. He was the proud Poppy to Jenna and Justin Thistle, and Jayce MacDonald. Clary is also survived by sister, Christine "Teenie", of Port Hawkesbury, his brothers, Allan and Vincent, of Sydney, and sisters-in-law, Margaret Goldenthal "Peggy", Winnipeg, Erdine Lapointe, Sudbury, and Carol MacKinnon, Sydney, as well as his many nieces and nephews, and his neighbours. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, 902-539-7175. As per Clary's wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Friday, October 18, 1–2 pm followed by a funeral service in the Chapel at 2 pm, Fr. Sheldon Chant officiating. The family would like to thank Clary's nephew, Clayton MacKinnon, who was always there for Clary during his hospital stays in Halifax; Amanda MacDonald, for helping care for his pets when the family was away with Clary, Garfield Carey and all the neighbourhood friends who treated Clary like family. The family would like to thank the Cardiology and Vascular team at the QE2; the doctors who treated Clary at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, the staff of 3B of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, the Palliative Care Team, and Dr. Paul Murphy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the SPCA or charity of choice. Words of condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com. “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”