Sydney
We, the family of Donald Edward MacAskill, 83, announce the passing of our father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend on Thursday, March 31, 2022. He passed peacefully at home with family at his side after a short battle with cancer.
Born on March 6, 1939, in Sydney, Donald was the son of the late Daniel ‘Chookie’ and Beulah (Pyke) MacAskill of Whitney Pier.
Donald is survived by his wife of 60 plus years, Anne Marie (Currie) MacAskill; son, Bradley (Brenda) of Falmouth, NS; daughters, Donna Reilly (John) of Memphis, Tennessee and Leanne Travis (Max) of Courtice, ON; grandchildren, Tara, Melissa, Kalyn, Kirsten, Kyle and Ryan; great-granddaughter, Hannah; brother, Butch; sister, Raylene George and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Donald was predeceased by his sisters, Lorraine Nickerson and Marilyn Campbell.
After working 12 years at Sydney Steel, Donald found his passion for teaching industrial technology at Whitney School and Whitney Pier Memorial Junior High. He spent 19 years with 587 Whitney Pier Air Cadet Squadron; Life Member Branch 138 Royal Canadian Legion, member of Sydney Steelworkers and Pensioners Club and was active with the Coxheath Daytime Senior Skaters.
Donald received medals and awards for his service to Veterans, government, Royal Canadian Legion, military and municipality over his 60 years of voluntary service.
Many thanks to his family doctor, Dr. Lisa Gammell and the doctors, nurses and staff at the An Cala Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. A special thank you to Brett Gillis, RN, for the exemplary care that he provided Donald in his time of need.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation for the late Donnie MacAskill will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) on Monday, April 4, 2022, from 4 – 7 p.m. The funeral service will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Sydney River on Tuesday, Apr 5, 2022, at 11 a.m. with Fr. Jim Oliver officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory or Donnie may be made to the Hospice of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital or the Horizon Achievement Centre.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of MacASKILL Donald Edward ‘Donnie’ 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia
My sincere condolences to your family. Don was a mentor to me when I was an Air Cadet with 587 Squadron.
Don was a great man and I know he will be missed by hundreds of people who served with the Air Cadets during his stay as an instructer and later as the commanding officer. If it wasn’t for Don I may not have become the person I am to-day. RIP Donald and thank you for the service you gave to Cadets and your community.
Anne Marie & family
Please accept our condolences on the loss of Donnie. I was lucky to have him as a teacher and as a neighbor for the past 16 years. He was always willing to help anyone who needed it and was a big part of our neighborhood. Donnie will be missed.
Allan, Karen & Cole Pyke
To Donnie’s family especially Anne Marie and Brad, my sincerest condolences. He and Anne Marie sent their respects after the passing of my own father in February. My life has been impacted by Don in two ways: one as my instructor in wood shop while in junior high guiding me to complete several projects that are still in daily use and second as CO of 587 Whitney Pier Air cadets. This inspired me to obtain my glider and power flight licenses, to be accepted at RMC and complete 34+ years flying in the RCAF. I am one of many that enrolled in the CF after our time in cadets. Don, your guidance as a teacher and cadet leader has had a positive impact on many. Thank you. It is time for your well earned rest.