Obituary of Carl MacLeod, New Waterford

Carl MacLeod: A Testament to Love, Community, and Unyielding Spirit

It is with hearts heavy yet full of admiration that we commemorate the extraordinary life of Carl MacLeod, who passed away at the age of 88 on February 21, 2024, surrounded by his adoring family at New Waterford Consolidated Hospital. Carl's story is a poignant narrative of love, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to his soulmate, Shirley, alongside a formidable crusade against the scourge of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Born in New Waterford on December 16, 1935, to Donald and Mary Ellen (Neville) MacLeod, Carl's life was a beacon of hope and unity, spurred by personal tragedy yet blossoming into an enduring mission of advocacy and support. Through initiatives like the transformative Carnation Campaign and the heartwarming Christmas Cake Campaign, he not only raised significant funds for MS research but also knit the community closer together in the shared quest for a cure.

Carl's legacy is adorned with numerous accolades, including the MS Society’s Division Award of Merit and the Kay Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Award. However, the true measure of his legacy lies in the unwavering hope he fostered and the countless lives he enriched—a legacy that, though he has passed, continues to inspire and guide us.

In his later years, Carl discovered joy and companionship with Sheilah Grenier. Their laughter and shared moments are a testament to Carl's belief in living life to its fullest, despite any adversity.

Carl was immensely proud of his family, and they of him, especially his son Darren. Darren's profound admiration for his father was evident to all, a testament to the deep bond they shared. When Carl suffered a stroke in August of 2023, Darren was by his side throughout the 4 1/2 months in the hospital; a steadfast presence of love and support. Later, as Carl transitioned out of the hospital, Darren embraced the role of caregiver with honor and compassion, embodying the values his father had instilled in him. This dedication was a source of great comfort to Carl, knowing the care and diligence with which Darren managed his responsibilities.

He leaves behind a tapestry of love: his children, Arlene, Darren (Natasha), Glen; his grandchildren, Samantha, Kianna (Nick), Nikayla (Charles), Kyle (Deion); and his great-grandchild, Rylee-Ann, each of whom will carry forward his legacy of love and resilience.

Carl was predeceased by his stillborn brother, his parents, Donald and Mary Ellen, and his cherished wife, Shirley (McNeil) MacLeod. Carl's memory will forever be a guiding light to his family.

Friends and loved ones are invited to pay their respects at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St, New Waterford, on Monday, February 26, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A celebration of Carl's remarkable life will be held at the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, New Waterford on Tuesday, February 27, at 10 a.m. with Father Godwin Obike officiating. A reception will follow at the Army, Navy, Air Force, Unit 217, New Waterford. Burial will be held in Mount Carmel Cemetery at a later date. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. 

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the MS Society of Canada or Cape Breton Search and Rescue, continuing Carl's passionate advocacy for causes close to his heart.

Carl's journey was one of profound love, boundless compassion, and an indomitable spirit that not only challenged the darkness of disease but also lit the way for others to follow. His life reminds us of the power of individual action to inspire collective hope, urging us to cherish our connections, embrace our challenges, and contribute with purpose to the world around us. Carl MacLeod’s legacy is a testament to the impact one life, lived with purpose and passion, can have on the world—a true labour of love that will continue to inspire generations to come.