Gary Alexander MacMaster of Port Shoreham, N.S passed away peacefully in his home on Heifer Hill on the morning of February 5th, 2024.

Born at St. Martha’s hospital in Antigonish, Gary was truly a jack-of-all-trades and the go-to man for all those who knew him. It didn’t matter what you needed done or what crazy adventure you wanted to go on, Gary was your man. He was a cherished presence - all who knew him felt they had a special connection with him, because he was the most genuine, kindhearted man with the patience of a saint who truly believed in the spirit and healing powers of community.

Gary was a proud Mason of 49 years with The Eastern Light Masonic Lodge no. 72, The Vice President of the Guysborough and Area Fish & Game Association, on the committee of the Manchester Cemetery and a key organizer of the MacPherson Lake Sportsmeet. He was a member of the Boylston United Church, Boylston Curling Club, and the Chedabucto Snowmobile Club. He was an avid member of the Port Shoreham Adventurers Club, and a  founding member of the Port Shoreham Pirates.

In his youth, Gary attended Canso Regional Vocational School where he got his electrical trade and shortly after he and Elaine moved away to Halifax where he worked in the dockyards and eventually started his family. In 1982 they moved back home to Port Shoreham where he ran his own business, MacMaster General Contracting for over 35 years. The labors of his skilled hands can be found in homes, businesses and cabins all across Guysborough County.

While his home was atop Heifer Hill, his happy place was his cabin on MacPherson Lake. A cabin built with love and his own two hands, it was a place where all were welcome, home to many gatherings, campfires, family celebrations and the setting of most of our happiest summer memories.

Gary was a family man through and through - he set an excellent example of what it means to be a loving and devoted husband, was an adored father to his children, a hero to his grandchildren and always had a fatherly hug for anyone who needed one.

Gary was predeceased by his beloved wife of 44 years Elaine, his parents Abner and Florence (Hayden) MacMaster, in-laws Douglas and Loyola (Sturgeon) Halfpenny; sisters-in-law Carol (Halfpenny) White and Doreen MacMaster and nieces Katrina and Jewel Halfpenny; his faithful furry friend Buddy MacMaster.

He is survived by sons Andrew (Mandi) of Duffield, AB; Steven (Marigold) of Brook Village, NS; daughters Nicole (Michael) and Meghan (Alexander) both of Fort McMurray, AB; and daughter-in-heart Kathryn Manthorne. Grandchildren: Bryden, Rylan, Jackson, Cole, Hailey, Noah, Hannah, Violet, Blake and Bentley. Siblings: Joan (Thomas) Chisholm and Neil MacMaster; a very special sister-in-law Marilyn, and many, many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and dear friends from near and far.

Gary’s contributions to our community will be felt for generations to come, as his work continues to stand as a testament to his talent and dedication. From the cozy homes and cabins where families gather to create cherished memories to the businesses that serve as the heartbeat of our town, Gary's influence is woven into the fabric of our community. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his memory and kindness will be forever cherished in our hearts.

Family flowers only please - the family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers those who wish to honor Gary do so by giving back to the organizations that work hard to build and strengthen our community - the Boylston Community Center, Guysborough District Fish & Games Association, Guysborough Health Authority, Guysborough Food Bank or a local cause of your choosing.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Boylston Community Center on Sunday, February 11th from 2-7 with a Masonic Service at 6:30 pm. The funeral service will be held on Monday, February 12th at the Boylston United Church at 11:00am. A family burial will take place at a later date. Words of comfort maybe forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com