John « Jackie »‘s Obituary
MacLeod, John Sidney “Jackie” – passed away Sunday, March 16, 2021 at his home in Welsford, surrounded by lots of love from family. Born in River John on November 16, 1939, he was the son of the late Sidney and Ruth (Chisholm) MacLeod. Jackie was devoted to his family and friends, always generous with whatever he thought was beneficial or needed. An amazing storyteller, he loved giving others and himself a good laugh. Jackie loved collecting various musical instruments and was able to play most of them. He had an ear and an eye for quality. Playing guitar and fiddle, by the age of 12 he would accompany his father at local dances and perform at concerts. He continued to play throughout his lifetime, most recently with The Toney River Fiddlers, often playing for seniors in nursing homes. Jackie always found time for new musical friends who played diverse styles, happy to share his Celtic roots. He frequented festivals, music stores, music workshops and any location where he could listen or play. He enjoyed buying cars, even when he didn’t need one, always searching for a deal. He continued to ride his motorcycle well into his 70s. A passion for karate combined with hard work earned him his black belt in chito ryu. A helpless animal lover, he was never without a cat, always taking care of strays. Aside from these passions he loved nothing more than to talk about them, so changing the topic was not really an option that worked for any length of time. Jackie’s career in the Canadian Armed Forces led to a variety of postings including Debert, Moosonee, Ont., Ottawa, and P.E.I. He enjoyed all but particularly loved the north, going out on the land with friends or his wife and two daughters to camp and fish. He twice served in the Middle East, once with UN Peacekeeping. Jackie always looked at his postings as an adventure, finding what the area had to offer that was of interest to him. He was a past president of the River John Legion, a member of Salem United Church and a volunteer firefighter. He played hockey with the R J Trail Blazers and pick-up hockey into his senior years. Jackie is survived by his children, Gayle (George) Heighton and Carol Anne (John) McKay, River John; grandchildren, Sheri Heighton (Terry Lemoine), Ardoise; Abbie Heighton (Bert MacDonald), Cape John; John Heighton (Carlin Hart), Pictou; Matthew MacDonald, New Glasgow; Emily (Zac) Martin, Trenton; great granddaughter Alice, Ardoise. Jackie is also survived by his siblings, Jimmy (Nancy) and Robert (Lynn) both of River John; Lynda (Brian) Ellis, Toronto; Geoffrey (Eileen), Truro; Melissa MacConnell, Millsville; Elizabeth (Ed MacLellan), Halifax; sisters-in-law, Verna (Gord) Chesney, Woodstock, Ont., Jeannie Langille, Seafoam, Mary (Glenn) McGinnis, Phoenix, Ariz.; brother-in-law, Rollie (Shirley) Gollan, Seafoam; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Jackie is predeceased by his loving wife, Audrey; brothers-in-law, David MacConnell, Millsville; Mancel Gollan and Willis Langille, Seafoam; sisters-in-law, Margie MacLeod, Stellarton; Edna (Hap) Day, Dartmouth. His brother Douglas, of Stellarton, passed away the day after Jackie’s death. We would like to thank Dr. Bush and staff, as well as staff of the VON, Willow Lodge, Palliative Care and Nurse Next Door for the outstanding care and compassion received. A special thanks to brother, Jim, Jim Craig and Gerald Sutherland for their music. A private funeral service will be held Saturday, March 20, at Coulter’s Funeral Home, Tatamagouche for family and friends by invitation only due to COVID restrictions. A graveside burial service to be held at a later date in Hamilton Cemetery. Live webcasting of the service will begin at 1:55 p.m. on Coulter’s Funeral Home website at: www.mmcfunerals.com and the recorded service will be available on the website approximately four hours after the service. Online condolences can also be sent to the family on the website as well. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The River John Legion Branch #108, SPCA or a charity of your choice.
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November 16 1939 March 14 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John Jackie Sidney MacLeod November 16 1939 March 14 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Tatamagouche, Province: Nova Scotia