Obituary of Earl F. McIsaac

Earl F. McIsaac , 76, of New Victoria passed away peacefully at the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital on Friday, April 8th 2016 surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer. Earl was born in Scotchtown on October 21st, 1939 to the late Peter & Violet (Morrissey) McIsaac. He was a member of the Parish of Saint Leonard (formerly Saint Joseph’s, New Victoria) in New Waterford. He was actively involved throughout the years, serving as a member of the Parish Council at Saint Joseph’s, Eucharistic Minister and as an altar server. Earl was employed with the Cape Breton Development Corporation and retired in 1992 from the International Coal Piers as a mechanic. He joined the New Victoria Volunteer Fire Department in July 1965 and held various positions throughout his years of service. In 1980 he was elected Fire Chief – a post he held until his retirement in 1992. Although he was retired, Earl still made his daily visits to the station and was willing to share his knowledge with active members. He was also involved in fundraising activities for NVVFD, especially their annual ticket draw. He attended many functions throughout the years and was extremely proud to don his uniform. Earl was the definition of a true gentleman. His kindness was evident to everyone he met along the way. He always put the needs of others first. He enjoyed his daily walks, gardening and carpentry. In his earlier years he enjoyed playing darts and lob-ball. He was also a devoted Montreal Canadiens and New York Yankees fan. Over the years he made many trips to Montreal to see his Habs play. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Mary ‘Bay’ McIsaac; his only daughter Joanne (Duncan Gillis), Victoria Mines; his sons Michael and Blair (April) of New Victoria; his three granddaughters (who he referred to as "Papa’s Girls"), Allison (James), Beaumont, AB, Madison and Taylor, New Victoria. He is also survived by his brother Gordon (Ann) McIsaac, New Victoria; sisters Eileen (Donald Murray) St. Bruno, Quebec, Margaret MacCormick, Langley, BC, Carmel Collette, Massachusetts; brothers-in-law Bernie (Lorraine) Jessome, Sydney and Phonse Jessome, New Victoria and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Jim, Mick, Steve, Raymond and Ronnie; sisters Mary Smith and Sylvia Hunt. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 13, from 5-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A funeral mass of celebration will take place Thursday, April 14 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s cemetery, New Victoria, with a luncheon to follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Plummer Avenue, New Waterford. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. Special thanks to Dr. Raed Azer, Dr. Jennifer Lange, and the nurses and staff of the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital who were so kind to Earl. Special thanks also to Dr. Saliba, Cape Breton Cancer Centre and Palliative Care team, Michelle Murphy RN, Dr. Mary Anne Campbell and Dr. Abou. Donations in Earl’s memory may be made to the New Victoria Volunteer Fire Department. We will always love and miss you.