Obituary of Brine McIsaac

On Thursday, April 28, 2016, we, the family, witnessed the unexpected passing of our beloved Brine. Born October 11, 1943, he was the oldest child of the late D.A. ‘Spike’ McIsaac and Eileen (Marsh) McIsaac. Receiving his early education in the New Waterford school system, he then attended Xavier Junior College. He soon realized his true calling was in the hair industry. ‘Chez Leon Hair Salon’ was where he excelled while learning his trade. At the age of 18 on the day of the final exam, he took the bus home and opened ‘Brine’s Beauty Bar’ that very same day. There was no question that this is what he was meant to do. He spent the next 50 plus years perfecting his craft and gaining the respect and admiration not only of his loyal clients but also that of his many friends and colleagues. Held in high regard by the professionals in the industry, he was very honored to receive the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia for his many accomplishments and longtime involvement and dedication. In earlier years, Brine trained some stylists through an apprenticeship program at his workplace. He also taught for a short time at the Vocational School in Sydney where he mentored many eager students who continued to look up to him to this day. Another passion of Brine’s was to travel. From his humble coal-mining hometown he managed to see the world. Parts of Canada, the U.S.A., South America, Europe, and even Northern Africa provided a multitude of stories and fond memories with friends which he cherished. When the idea of a National High School Basketball Tournament (New Waterford Coal Bowl Classic) became a reality, Brine was invited to join the Hospitality Committee and working with them immediately and still did to this day. Brine loved his music. For many years he has been the organist at St. Leonard Parish, formerly Mount Carmel Church, where he provided not only accompaniment for the senior choir but also music for as many funerals and weddings over the years as his busy schedule would allow. Occasionally you could enjoy his talent in musical productions and fundraisers held locally along with community events such as sing-alongs and cabarets with his many musical friends. His comforting airs and ballads, which deeply touched many, will be remembered fondly and held in our hearts and souls forever. Surviving are a sister, Myrna (Kevin) MacDonald; brother, Brent (Penny-Lou) McIsaac; sister-in-law Shannon McIsaac, all of New Waterford; nephews Jimmie, Tyler and Reilly; nieces Dana and Chera. Besides his parents, Brine was predeceased by his sister, Marsha and his brother, Brad. As per Brine’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Brine was laid to rest next to his sister, Marsha, in Mount Carmel Cemetery, New Waterford. A celebration of Brine’s life will be held at a later date. Donations in Brine’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.