Donald MacIntyre, 73

Glace Bay, N.S.

Our family would like to announce the peaceful passing of our dad Donald MacIntyre, 73, on February 5, 2026. Formerly of Glace Bay, Dad grew up on Foundry Street, later raising his girls in Dominion and retiring to his Happy Place out on the Mira in Albert Bridge.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Presbyterian church and a graduate of Morrison High School. He had many memories and was very proud of both.

Dad began his career with Devco, working at #26, Donkin, Prince, and Phalen Colliery. The Company was good to him. He paid it forward by helping to set up their internal Employee Assistance Program. An initiative that was near and dear to his heart that helped many of his colleagues and families. He later moved to Grande Cache, Alberta. Returning home, he took short term positions with Maritime Steel in New Glasgow and Savage Corp in Port Hawkesbury, but his most fulfilling job was at the Two Rivers Wildlife Park. His short time there brought him much happiness, and he valued his relationships with the staff, their families, and the volunteers.

The original “Girl Dad,” he cared most in this world about his family. His girls were his life. He made us feel chosen each and every day; a priceless gift that taught us what real love looked like. This gift extended to his nieces. Affectionately known as Uncle “D,” he always made time for them and ensured they knew they were Cape Bretoners in their roots and always had a place to come home to.

His granddaughters, Lily and Ella, were his pride and joy. He rarely missed a milestone or special moment, but their most cherished memories are of the times they spent with their Poppy on the Mira; the joy and laughter in the simple moments of river days, tube rides, bridge jumps, campfires, and watching his infamous firework displays. Every day was a surprise with their Poppy, who was always up for anything and could turn even a rainy day into a fun filled adventure to be talked about for years to come. He not only made a home for us in his most treasured place but also gave us our “Mira Family.” Our partners in crime for all our adventures and keepers of our shared memories and stories that will ensure his memory as “king of the Hill” lives on forever.

Donald is survived by his daughters, Keri MacIntyre of Colorado, and Kim (Mark) Oakley of Truro. He never had a son, but if he did, he would have been so proud to call his son-in-law Mark his own. He’ll be missed deeply by his granddaughters Lily and Ella Oakley and lovingly remembered by his sisters Brenda (Phil) Butler, New Glasgow, and Wanda (Mike) Grande of Oakville Ontario. Also survived by his brother-in-law Russell Kelly with whom he shared a special bond and lastly lifelong friend, mother of his children, Ginny MacIntyre (Doug Hodder). Dad reminded us every day that families come in all forms. For our dad, if you loved someone he loved, you were family forever. The bigger the better. This came from his growing up with a huge extended family of first cousins who were more like siblings to him. Together they’ve fostered a legacy of love, laughter, and shared experience that was exceptional. They will miss him dearly.

Dad was predeceased by his parents, Lauchie and Betty (nee MacKinnon) MacIntyre, two sisters in infancy, his grandnephew Logan Henderson, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins that are surely greeting him happily with open arms.

We did our best to keep dad in Mira as long as we could. Heartfelt thanks to Susan Spencer and Dinks (Linda) MacMullin for the kindness and care they showed him, and the friendship they afforded us during our time of struggle.

Dad was a part of a broader extended community. Though nameless and faceless to us, they’ve had a lasting impact on him and, by extension, all of us. 35 years of fellowship, friendship and support ensured our dad spent his final years the happiest, best version of himself, and we know he helped many others do the same through The Program. For that we are eternally grateful.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Halifax/Glace Bay.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www. tjtracey.com.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for Summer 2026. Details to follow at a later date.

I will meet you by the river

If I go before you do

I'm not gone, just gone ahead

Waiting there for you