It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Terry MacKinnon, 88, of Glace Bay on Sunday, August 23rd, 2026 at his residence.

Born on February 17, 1938, Terry married the love of his life, Mary McDonald of Tower Road, on November 11, 1957. Together, they built a life centered around family, faith, hard work, and helping others. Terry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend. He was a man with a heart of gold who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He was generous, patient, forgiving, and never one to hold a grudge. His kindness touched countless people throughout his life.

Terry became a member of the military reserves as a teenager and also began working in a machine shop, developing a strong work ethic from an early age. After marrying Mary and starting their family, they moved to California, where he worked several jobs. Eventually, they returned to Cape Breton, where they built their family home and put down their roots. Terry worked at the Heavy Water Plant before moving on to the Steel Plant. Shortly thereafter, he attended Teacher’s College at St. Francis Xavier University, graduating in 1974. He went on to teach at the Vocational School for 28 years, teaching Machine Shop and later Intermediate Industrial, before retiring in 1994. Teaching was more than a career for Terry. He believed in hard work and in giving young people opportunities to build a better future. He helped many gain entrance to Vocational School so they could learn a trade. His strong work ethic and determination were values he passed on to not only his students, but his own family as well.

Terry’s faith was at the center of his life. He had a deep love for Jesus and devoted himself to the Church, where he was often referred to as “Father Terry.” He attended Mass, prayed the Rosary daily, and for many years brought Communion to those unable to attend church. He also played an important role in a local group who formed the Carmelites and spent many years as a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus.

Above all, Terry was a wonderful dad who was deeply proud and protective of his family. He had tremendous patience, a forgiving nature, and an endless willingness to help others. Over the years, he opened his home to many people who had nowhere else to go, welcoming them into his family and treating them with the same care, kindness, and love he showed to his own. He also enjoyed spending summers camping in Baddeck, a tradition he continued long into retirement.

Terry will be deeply missed by his brother, David (Pauline); his children, Terry (Cheryl), Rick (Nancy), Dennis (Sheila), Cindy, Darrell (Patricia), Dale (Bernadette), Dawn (Troy), Darlene (Gary), Carmel, and Michael (Lindsay); 28 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

 He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary; his sons, Scott, who passed away in infancy, and Glenn; and his sister, Barb Booth. Terry leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, generosity, hard work, and service to others. He was the kind of man who quietly made a difference in the lives of those around him, and his absence will be felt deeply by his family, friends, former students, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be missed more than words can express and remembered always with love.

Visitation for Terry will be held on Thursday, August 27th / 2026 from 4-7 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, August 28th at 10 a.m. in St. Anne’s Church, Glace Bay followed by a reception. Interment in St. Anne’s Cemetery. Fr. Macleen Anyanwu presiding.  As an expression of sympathy for Terry, memorial donations in his memory may be made to St. Anne’s Church, Glace Bay.

Online condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca