Manning MacLachlan, 76

Glace Bay, N.S.

We are heartbroken to announce the sudden passing of our father, Manning MacLachlan, a lifelong resident of Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, on January 19, 2026, at the home he proudly built for his family. Manning was the son of the late Tom and Alice MacLachlan of Steeles Hill.

He is survived by his daughters, Shalon MacLachlan and Aleisha (Melissa) MacLachlan, and his granddaughter Gabriella Anne, who were his entire world. He is also survived by Shalon and Aleisha’s mother, Arlene (MacDonald) MacLachlan; his brother Tom (Bernadette) McLachlan; sister Diane Parsons; David Parsons; his nieces and nephews—Vik, Bryson, Matthew, Brittany, Mary, Diane, and Jean and their families; his uncle Charlie LeForte; his aunt Theresa McKinnon; and many cousins.

A graduate of the Nova Scotia Eastern Institute of Technology (NSEIT), Dad was a talented electrical technologist with a sharp mind for math, physics, and science. He made significant contributions while employed at the Cape Breton Development Corporation, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (Glace Bay Heavy Water Plant), and the steel industry in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Dad also held a Diploma in Community College Teacher Education from the Nova Scotia Teachers College and was an electrical instructor at the Sydney Vocational School. In recent years, he enjoyed working with the team at Kaiser Marine Inc. in Glace Bay.

Known as the neighbourhood “MacGyver,” Dad was always the first to offer help—plowing a driveway, assisting with a flooded basement, or solving an electrical issue. His garage door was always open.

Dad was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, and hunter who loved going for a “walk in the woods.” He was a fantastic cook, and we were spoiled with many delicious meals over the years. Some of our favourite adventures with Dad included camping in Mira, ATVing and snowmobiling, clam digging, and beach BBQs—usually with a few friends in tow. He loved to sing and play his guitar, often writing songs about our adventures. Dad had a colourful sense of humour and a deep love of making people laugh. He also took great pride in caring for his mother in her later years.

Dad was blessed to be surrounded by friends like family, including Jason and Marilyn Kaiser and their children; Mike Lawrence; Doug Nickerson; and his longtime neighbours. Thank you for your friendship, care, and support. The excellent care Dad received for many years from the staff at the Pain Management Clinic at the Northside General Hospital helped him to live a better life, and we deeply appreciate it. We are also grateful for the advice and support provided by our cousin, Dad’s niece, Dr. Diane MacLachlan, and Serena Parsons, NP; as well as the care provided to Dad by the emergency room and blood collection staff at the Glace Bay General Hospital.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from 1-2 p.m., with a Celebration of Life to follow at 2 p.m. in T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve Street, Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. 902-849-4199. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dad’s memory to Oxfam Canada for Gaza or a charity of your choice.

We miss you so much, Dad, but know that you will live forever in our hearts and stories.

To share words of comfort with Manning’s family, please visit our website at www.tjtracey.com.