Obituary of Harvey F. Mackie, Gardiner Mines

It is with an emptiness in our hearts that we, the family, of Harvey Francis Mackie, announce his passing on 27 February 2020 at the Glace Bay General Hospital at the age of 80, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Gardiner Mines on December 4, 1939, Harvey was the youngest son of the late Daniel and Sarah (MacNeil) Mackie. Harvey began work at a young age as a coal miner for a 10-year tenure, then embarked upon a career as a bricklayer. Harvey was meticulous in his craft as a mason and there is much evidence of his work all over Cape Breton Island, something he was always very proud of. He was a long-time member and retiree of the Bricklayer’s union Local #1 NS, receiving his 50-year pin in 2019. Harvey was the owner/operator of Mackie Masonry Construction from 1990-1996, until his retirement. Harvey was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting with friends in his younger years and camping with his family. He played softball, hockey, bowling and darts and later in life took up golfing, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He was an accomplished accordion and harmonica player entertaining people at public events, family gatherings and campfires. Everyone was happy to see the accordion come out. Harvey is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Marilyn (Wrathall) Mackie, his three daughters, Darlene Mackie, Brenda (Murray) McNeil and Pauline Gouthro, his daughter-in-law, Shelley Duggan, 8 grandchildren, Sarah, Hillary, Samantha, Aaron, Emma, Randy, Ashley and Eileen as well as 6 great grandchildren, Irelynn, Priscilla, Holly, Tatum, Vaida and Luke. He is also survived by sisters, Theresa Lemoine, Annette Campbell, Pauline (Leno) Degiobbi and Marilyn (Joe) McMullin, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and by his only living aunt, Alice Kyte. Besides his parents, Harvey was predeceased by his son, Dwayne, son-in-law, Blain Gouthro, sisters, Geraldine and Mary, brothers, John and Greg. A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and the Glace Bay Hospital; as well as the palliative care team who cared for him and kept him comfortable in his final days. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening, March 3rd from 6-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Center, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay. The funeral service officiated by Rev. Myrna MacMullin and Rev. Dorothy Miller will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. in St Mary’s Anglican Church, Marconi St, Glace Bay. A reception will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christmas Crew, The Church of the Good Shepherd in Dominion or a charity of one’s choice. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca