Obituary of Dan Willie MacKinnon, New Waterford

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Dan Willie MacKinnon, 88, on June 9, 2024 at Hospice Cape Breton.

Born in Dunakin, Inverness Co., on August 1, 1935, he was the son of the late Willie and Cassie (MacQuarrie) MacKinnon. At the age of two, the family moved from “the country” to New Waterford, where Dan Willie attended Mount Carmel School. He later furthered his education at Xavier Junior College, St.F.X. University and Nova Scotia Teachers College, where he met the love of his life, Nancy (Tetford). After their marriage in 1960, the pair taught in Cluny, Alberta for a year before returning home to New Waterford.

A dedicated industrial arts teacher for 38 years, Dan Willie taught at Mount Carmel High School before becoming the first industrial arts department head of Breton Education Centre when it opened in 1970. Prior to the school’s opening, he spent months procuring equipment, ensuring students in New Waterford had access to some of the best facilities in the province at the time. Dan Willie left a lasting impact on both his students and his colleagues.

Sports played a large role in Dan Willie’s life, most specifically baseball and softball. A member of the 1959 New Waterford Giants, the first Cape Breton senior baseball team to win the Maritime Championship, he was known for his hitting and strong play at first base. An avid sports fan, Dan Willie could be found most nights watching the Jays, the Leafs, and/or the Raptors, but nothing brought him more joy than watching his grandchildren play the sports they loved. He was their biggest fan, supporting them from the sidelines with his strong, quiet presence.

As an extension of his love of sports, Dan Willie always enjoyed a good game of cards. For many years, the kitchen of their home on George Street was the venue for some intense games of tarabish and cribbage with family and close friends. In his final weeks in hospice, cribbage was the game of choice, creating many good laughs and special memories. Never too concerned with the wins and losses, he simply enjoyed playing and connecting with others through the cards. 

Dan Willie was a man of great faith and a dedicated parishioner of the Parish of Saint Leonard in New Waterford. A principled man who demonstrated integrity in his daily interactions, he did not shy away from having a little fun. Those who fell victim to his light-hearted prankster antics will not soon forget his devilish grin. More than anything, Dan Willie will be remembered as a devoted family man and a great friend to many.

Dan Willie is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Nancy (Tetford) and children, Norma (Scott) MacIntyre, David (Jill), Janet (Isaac) Hashem, Doug (Marcy), and Blair (Joanne). He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren, Ian (Sidney), Katie, Heather, Emma, Paul, Danielle, Daniel, Erin, Laura, Cassie, Peter, Kelly, Meghan, Luke, and Jake, as well as his great-grandchildren, Kieran and Charlie. Also left to mourn are his brother, Spike (Lucille); brothers-in-law, Brian (Annette), Bill and Ken; sister-in-law, Judy, and many nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, Dan Willie was predeceased by his brothers, John and D.A.; his sister, Theresa; sisters-in-law, Mae, Margie, Brenda and Shirley; brothers-in-law, David and Bucky; granddaughter, Martha; and niece, Cheryl.

Cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to help celebrate a life well lived at the visitation on Friday, June 14 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. Funeral Mass will be held at the Parish of Saint Leonard on Saturday, June 15 at 1 p.m. with Father Damian MacPherson officiating. Burial will be in Mount Carmel cemetery with a reception to follow at K.O.C. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Hospice Cape Breton, or a charity of your choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.