Obituary of Colin Hugh MacIsaac

MacISAAC, Colin H. Pictou Colin Hugh MacIsaac, (herein also referred to as Dad) Pictou, passed away on April 17, 2023. Dad was born on April 1, 1933 in Inverness, NS to Archie and Mary Jesse MacIsaac. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 66 years, Juliette Eva (Cormier) MacIsaac. He was also predeceased by his grandson, Colin Roger MacIsaac. Dad is survived by his children, Robert (Marian), Gerard (Lorna), Colleen (Greg), Blaine (Marion), and Darcy (Wendy). Dad was a proud Cape Bretoner and would return to Inverness with his family on a regular basis for many years. He moved to Stellarton and then Pictou as a young boy in the early 40’s. Dad worked several jobs prior to joining the Canadian Army to serve in Korea. He left the military briefly after the war and rejoined in 1955. He was stationed in Camp Borden, ON. Dad served with the UN Emergency Forces in Egypt in 1961-62 and his final posting was Summerside, PEI. Dad was always about service to others. He was on the Camp Borden Community Council. Dad coached minor baseball and hockey and also played many sports. He could hit a bullseye in darts, a ringer in horseshoes, hit a homerun, score a goal, and sink a putt, all from the left side. He would simply beat you straight on in crib! Dad and Mom returned to Pictou in 1974 when he accepted a job at the Michelin Plant in Granton. Shortly thereafter, they purchased land for a cottage in Caribou River. The cottage was their haven, where many family events and activities including the annual horseshoe tourney and family weddings and receptions were hosted. Cottage life didn’t distract Dad from continuing his volunteer work. He volunteered in a variety of capacities with the Pictou Legion, including as President. He mostly treasured his role visiting Vets in their homes and at the Pictou Veterans Wing of the Sutherland Harris Hospital. Dad received the Legion Honorary Life Membership Award in recognition of his efforts. Mom and Dad were both dedicated to the Stella Maris Church serving as Eucharistic Ministers for many years. Colin had an endearing personality. It didn’t matter if you were a Princess or a pauper, within minutes of meeting Colin you were captivated by his charm, wit and caring personality. Speaking of Princesses, he was extremely proud of his 14 granddaughters all who had their own special relationship and memories of him. Forever holding him in their hearts are Laura (Rex), Julie (Stephen), Allison (Nathan), Danielle (Bobby), Jillian (John), Sheena (Randy), Carlene (James), Josette (Xander), Chloe (Kevin), Jenelle, Jordan (Derek), Caitlin (Jeff), Jenna Rose (Thomas) and Madeline (Cain). Dad’s legacy will continue as there are also many great-grandchildren. Dad is survived by Mom’s brothers and sisters, Harvey (Karen), Ron (Judy), Frank (Mona), Ann, Rose, and Leontine. Dad had an extraordinary kinship, big brother, friend relationship with his surviving sister, Jemima. Always looking out for each other, it was a special bond reciprocated by genuine acts of caring, not to mention exchanges of fudge and apple pies! Regular calls and visits from cousin Simon and fellow Korean War Vet, Henry, is something Dad enjoyed. Colin was predeceased by his brothers, John Dan and wife Kay, Roddie and wife Marie; his sisters, Georgina and husband Billy, Jesse and husband Alfred, and brother-in-law, Frank. He was also predeceased by brothers-in-law, Roger Drouin, Leo Cormier, Georgie Gallant; sister-in-law, Muriel Cote and her husband Jean. Dad adored his extended family, comprised of the MacIsaac, MacDonald, Landry, MacKay, Cormier, Leblanc and others. Also close to Colin’s heart was his and Mom’s adopted family, Yassir, Nada and their children. Dad’s family would like to thank all the care providers who helped over the years, Dr. Randy Burrill who was a constant for both Mom and Dad, Fulmore’s Pharmacy staff who were a crucial and caring part of Dads support team. Thank you as well to Dr. Lum, staff at the Pictou West Clinic, EHS, and the Palliative Care Team. The VON and CareForce organizations, which included nurses, personal care workers and home support staff were so dedicated to Dad. A very special thanks also to Kate who helped Dad in so many ways and even taught him a few tricks playing Crib. We are so fortunate to be living in a community where watchful and caring people assisted Dad in many ways. They included the newspaper delivery person, neighbors, property maintenance folks and more. Colin recently celebrated his 90th birthday and received well wishes and cards from all over the world. Born on April 1, he was absolutely funny, but believe his children, he was no fool! He was entertaining and witty as reflected in some of his final words. He watched two ambulances arrive at the house and he exclaimed “Am I on fire”! We are left to mourn, not to be mournful. Instead, we will reflect on his life and be joyful in celebrating Colin Hugh MacIsaac. Funeral Mass will be held 11 AM Saturday April 22 at Stella Maris Catholic Church, Pictou. Reception will follow afterwards in church hall and then interment in the Waterside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Stella Maris Parish, Communities Assisting Refugees Now (CAiRN), the Pictou County Palliative Care Society or a charity of choice. www.mclarenfuneral.ca