Keith Brian MacLeod
It is with broken hearts and cherished memories that we announce the passing of Keith Brian MacLeod (aka Poppy the Warrior) following a 10 month heroic, courageous battle with cancer at the age of 63. Keith passed away peacefully at the An Cala Palliative Care Unit on January 27, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.
Keith will always be remembered as one of the kindest gentlest souls and everyone that crossed paths with him considered it a privilege. He was the best husband, friend, brother, son, uncle, cousin and co-worker, imaginable. His proudest role in life was Dad, a role he accepted with pleasure and honour and with no questions, never looking back! A new role for Keith recently was that of Poppy to his amazing granddaughter, his ‘Cayley girl’!
Keith was always hard working, dedicated to his family and loved time at home. Born and raised in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Keith was the son of Stanley and Ella (MacAskill) MacLeod. Keith was a dedicated employee working in many different areas of expertise both here and out of Province! Until November 2017 Keith was travelling to/from Alberta working for Aluma Systems at Syncrude Extractions. Keith made lifelong friends everywhere he went but the core group of folks he worked with over the last 10 years remained with him to the very end. Calls/texts/messages/visits during his illness meant the world to Keith and gave him courage to continue the fight! Keith was a true tradesman throughout his entire life, there is nothing Keith couldn’t fix or build. He had pride in his craftsmanship and never settled for anything but quality and nothing could get in his way of finishing the job. He was the strongest and bravest man even into his illness, he was determined not to let cancer define him in anyway.
Keith was a diehard Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan from day one. The most enjoyable nights for him was watching his team play while spending time with his family. He stuck with his team throughout hard times and celebrated the good times, the same could be said for his devotion to his family and friends. He never wavered and remained a true gentleman into his final hour.
Keith leaves behind so many loved ones, friends and coworkers. He is survived by his loving wife, soulmate Phyllis and their boys, Stephen Tobin, Eric (Blaire) Tobin and Adam (Corinne) Tobin. Also, the light of his life, his granddaughter, Cayley Kathleen Tobin.
Keith leaves behind sisters, Katherine (Harry) MacInnis, Judy (Neil) MacMullen, Diane MacLeod; brothers, Gerald and Earl; nieces, Amy and Lindsay and nephews, Jerry Sheldon, Trevor and Terrance.
Keith was predeceased by his parents, Stan and Ella MacLeod; his sister, Marjorie; brothers, Donald and Kenzie.
Keith also leaves behind those that filled his life with happiness and friendship, most importantly his lifelong friend of 50 years, Roy Ferguson that held his hand into his final hours.
Cremation has taken place and visitation will be held from 12-3 on January 30, 2019 at SW Chant & Son Funeral Home located at 564 Alexandra St., Sydney with a celebration of life immediately following at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Reverend Sheldon Chant officiating. Reception to follow.
A very important thank you to the staff and doctors at the Cape Breton Cancer Center – they have provided care and professionalism once this journey started. Dr Saliba, the chemo room staff, Dr. Aboud, Dr. Burnes, Dr. Anne Francess D’Intino and every contact person- thank you! Tom MacNeil, thank you! Claudette Taylor, you held our hands as we took baby steps along the way! The entire staff at Palliative Care, Keith fondly referred to his special angel Wendy Simpson – we couldn’t have done it without you! Keith’s family physician Dr. Lola Obadan and The VON who looked after Keith in the comfort of his own home. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to every staff, Doctor and nurse whom we have come in contact with and have to have been specially chosen on the An Cala Hospice Palliative Care Unit at The Cape Breton Regional Hospital, you became part of our family as Keith fought until his body couldn’t fight any longer! You cried with us and walked us through the final steps! We will never forget!
Donations are requested to be made directly to The Palliative Care Hospice Centre at The Cape Breton Regional Center.
Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean we will miss you, until we meet again.
Donations may be made to:
Hospice Palliative Care
PO Box 561, Sydney NS B1P 6H4
Tel: 1-902-567-8584
Web: hospicecapebreton.org/get-involved/donate/
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Keith Brian MacLeod January 27 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia