Ian Robinson MacKeigan
1940-2021
Ian Robinson
MacKeigan
1940-2021
“Be present in all things and
thankful for all things.” (Maya Angelou)
We are heartbroken but thankful for the journey as we say
goodbye to Ian, after a lengthy illness, on Friday, April 2, 2021.
Making a life complete and full for himself and his family, he shared
his enthusiasm for life and patience, when change was slow in coming,
with everyone he met.
Born in Whycocomagh, the only son to John Lewis and Margaret
(Robinson) MacKeigan, Ian was also adored by his sisters, Dorothy
“Dodo”, (d.2014); Kate (d.2021); Flora, Whycocomagh and
Sheila, Whycocomagh. Ian and his bride, Shirley Anne Maher, RN, met in
Halifax at Mrs. MacAloney’s in 1964. It was the hottest day
of the year when they married in 1967 in Stewart United Church,
Whycocomagh. A mixed marriage (Catholic/ Protestant union), it was
born of enduring love and mutual respect, lasting 53 years. In 1977,
with his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Dalhousie University,
they left Halifax to open MacKeigan’s Pharmacy in downtown
Whycocomagh. Barry Austin, BSc. Ph.C., (d.1988) managed the Port
Hawkesbury location when it opened in 1985. Ian enjoyed every
conversation and relationship that was cultivated in his stores. He
and Shirley are grateful for the loyalty and dedication of their
staff, creating the ‘family’ in their family
businesses.
Ian’s children are forever in awe of his dedication
to them and the communities in which he lived and served. MaryAnne
(Darren Cameron); Christena (Jason Rouse) and John Lewis (Tanya
MacDonald) all live in Inverness County, thankful for the
opportunities which allowed them to all to grow together on our
beloved Island. Grandchildren, Megan MacLean (Nick Smith) and Jessica
MacKeigan are extolling the traits of professionalism, kindness and
honesty Ian so easily displayed. Callista Rouse, Ewen Cameron, Jansen
Rouse and Catherine Cameron have grown up witnessing the
determination, faith, and gratitude we so admired. He became a great-
grandfather, his most cherished role, when Nathan John Robinson
MacKeigan arrived in 2013. His family are thrilled when they notice
any of them, “doing something Poppa would
do.”
His interests were many and included L’Arche Cape
Breton and International, Whycocomagh Fire Department, Royal Canadian
Legion, Branch 123, S.S. Marion Sailing Society and then Waterfront
Centre, and Canadian and NS Pharmacy Associations. Ian believed in the
power of working together for the greater good. To that end, his home
and work life encouraged making connections with our sister community
of We’koqma’q, allowing the values of cultures,
perspectives, hopes, and dreams create a mutual respect we all
deserve. Honoured by every act of recognition, Ian humbly accepted the
peer-nominated, Wyeth-Ayerst, “Bowl of Hygeia” in 1990, in
Philadelphia, Pa. This award recognized his commitment to the
advancement of the Pharmacy profession with a special emphasis on
exceptional community service.
Known for his easy, hearty laugh, Ian most enjoyed a wee dram
(wink wink) and good game of crib with his brothers-in-law, Dougald
McLean (d.2021); Archie MacKay (d.2008); and Kenzie Turbill (d.1995).
He and Shirley enjoyed many visits to her homeland in St.
John’s, NL, and the cabin on the ‘pond’
in beautiful Upper Gullies with Jim Maher (d.2014) and Elsa, St.
John’s. Although it has been many years, Ian always enjoyed showing
off his Cape Breton to Madeleine Mueller (d.2014), and Charlie Maher
and Josephine, Massachusetts. Thankfully, time serves to make all
these moments even sweeter.
A fair person, Ian adhered to one political party more
tightly than others but always left a debate with a smile and a
handshake. Politics and religion did not define how you were
treated.
Ian’s presence was big and impact significant. To
honour all of those who considered him a friend, and to those who
continued to care and support him and his family, especially these
last years, please know your friendship will always be in our hearts,
too. “A man is known by the company he keeps.”
(Aesop)
Loved and supported by nieces and nephews in Cape Breton,
Newfoundland and Labrador, England and the US, friends all over Canada
and Internationally, we are hopeful as the asparagus and blueberries
are growing again in his garden as spring breaks through a challenging
winter. We will lean on His faith as we celebrate Easter
2021.
Utmost gratitude and admiration to the staff of our local
pharmacies, home support services, Home Care NS, VCMH, Inverary Manor,
and Palliative Care of Inverness and Baddeck. A most wonderful team in
a most chaotic time.
A celebration of Ian’s life will take
place 11 a.m., Saturday, August 21, 2021, in
Stewartdale Cemetery with the support of
Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel and Stewart United Church,
Whycocomagh. Memorial donations in memory of Ian may be made to a
charity of one’s choice. Words of comfort may be
forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ian Robinson MacKeigan 19402021..
Dennis Haverstocks funeral homes
Death notice for the town of: Whycocomagh, Province: Nova Scotia