Obituary of Robert Alexander MacLean

Robert Alexander MacLean (“Bob” to many) of Marble Mountain, CB passed away peacefully on Friday, April 7, 2023 at the age of 93 in Alderwood Rest Home, Baddeck surrounded by loving family members. Robert was born in Malden, Massachusetts to Jessie (nee MacLean) and Charlie George MacLean. They returned to Cape Breton making their home in Valley Mills when Robert was a young boy. Jessie and Charlie George instilled an everlasting love of family, kindness, and generosity which was felt by anyone who knew Robert.

Robert learned early on the value of hard work growing up on his family’s farm, his father’s lumbering/oystering business and through their family store. As did many, he went west to work in Ontario before returning to raise his young family in Cape Breton. Upon return to Cape Breton Robert was employed by Irving Oil as an oil delivery truck driver. He drove the oil truck when the road over Cape Smokey was narrow and dirt, yielding many a story. Also employed by HG MacInnis Fuels, Port Hawkesbury with home oil/gas delivery service and the CNR. Robert continued to work with the CNR and studied his way to be a CNR/VIA Rail locomotive engineer until his retirement in 1989, a job he held with great pride, and yet again yielded many a story.

Thirty-seven years ago, Robert was predeceased by the love of his life, Evelyn (MacDonald).

Saying goodbye to their Dad are his loving daughters, Doreen (Allan) MacCalder, Donnelly, AB; Irene (Joe) Mac Donald, West Bay Road, NS; and Sandra (Warren) Johnston, Port Hastings, NS.

Beloved and admired Papa to Jo-anne (Charles), Ottawa ON; Bob (Cindy), Red Deer AB; Tara (Kajtek), Crousetown, NS; Dexter (Sydney), Edmonton, AB; Sara (Willie), Bedford NS and Jennifer, Donnelly AB. Dearest great-grandfather, to Skylar, Madison, Mason and Fraser. Cherished sister, Sara (Glen) Mattinson, Peterborough, ON. Robert is also survived by his sister-in-law, Jessie, Truro, NS. He will be missed by generations of nieces and nephews who affectionately called him Uncle Robert. In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by his brothers, Murdock and Charlie Dan and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Robert will fondly be remembered by his extended family, his many friends, and his neighbours/friends of the Sydney area, Port Hastings, Marble Mountain, MacLeod House, Baddeck, NS and most recently Alderwood Rest Home, Baddeck NS.

Robert taught us to enjoy the simplest pleasures in life. He loved an evening playing crib, dancing with Evelyn, a good hot cup of tea, the Bras d’or Lake, music, puppy dogs and kitty cats, crypto quotes and crosswords, an interesting book, a firm handshake, a sharp chainsaw and his many family dinners. He always loved to hear about your day and your weather. And oysters, he loved oysters almost as much as the blasting heat from his wood furnace.

Robert’s family and friends will hold close to their hearts this extraordinary man, his smile, his wisdom, the love he shared over his lifetime, and his very favourite line, “It is not as bad as what could be worse”.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023 from 4 - 8 p.m. in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. A celebration of Robert’s life will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 1 p.m. in Dennis Haverstock Funera Home, Port Hawkesbury.  Burial will follow in Lime Hill Cemetery, Marble Mountain Rd, CB.  A reception will follow the burial at the Marble Mountain Community Hall, 5643 Marble Mountain Rd. Family flowers only, memorial donations may be made to the Lime Hill Cemetery Fund.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com