Obituary of Billy Joe MacLean

William Joseph Roy “Billy Joe” MacLean
November 24, 1936 – April 23, 2025

Billy Joe MacLean passed away peacefully at Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, he was the son of Mary Agnes (MacIntyre) and William Vibert MacLean of Port Hawkesbury, NS.

At just 16 years old, Billy Joe returned home from his studies at Saint Francis Xavier University to take over the family business after the sudden passing of his father. This marked the beginning of a lifelong career in business in Port Hawkesbury.

On September 2nd, 1961, Billy Joe married the love of his life, Glenda (Auld) MacLean. Together, they shared 63 years of marriage and raised eight children in Port Hawkesbury, NS.

Billy Joe is survived by his devoted wife, Glenda, and their eight children: William (Moira) MacLean of Dartmouth, NS; John (Andrea) MacLean of Fort McMurray, Alberta; Paul (Lee-Ann) MacLean of Dartmouth, NS; Charles (Natalie) MacLean of Port Hawkesbury, NS; Shauna MacLean of Port Hawkesbury, NS; Eileen (David Colborne) MacLean of Pugwash, NS; Patricia (Scott MacNamara) MacLean of Port Hawkesbury, NS; and Flora (Jeremy) Gillis of Bedford, NS. He also leaves behind seventeen grandchildren, Hannah MacLean, Dartmouth, NS; Abigail MacLean, Dartmouth, NS; William MacLean, Dartmouth, NS; Maddie MacLean, Vancouver, BC;  and August MacLean, Dartmouth, NS; and Brandon MacLean and Tyler MacLean, Fort McMurray; and Calvin Elliott, Port Hawkesbury and Katie Elliott, Halifax, NS and Grace Elliott ,Halifax, NS; Zachary MacLean, Port Hawkesbury, NS; and Charlie MacLean, Pirate Harbour, NS; and Daniel MacLean, Halifax, NS and Sarah MacNamara, Port Hawkesbury, NS; and Jesse, Jayden and Noah Gillis, Bedford, NS; and one great-granddaughter, Charlotte MacLean of Pirate Harbour, NS.

Billy Joe is also survived by his brother, Dr. Charles Bernard (Jean) MacLean of Inverness, NS, as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family members. He was predeceased by his siblings, Dr. Norman James MacLean, Eileen MacLean Yates, QC, and Catherine Viberta MacNeil, along with other cherished family members.

From a young age, Billy Joe demonstrated a passion for public service and a commitment to improving the lives of others. His political journey began in 1962 when he joined the Town Council of Port Hawkesbury. His leadership and dedication led to his appointment as Deputy Mayor in 1968 and later as Mayor in 1974. Over the next decade, he drove significant advancements in local infrastructure and community programs.

In 1981, Billy Joe transitioned to provincial politics, representing Inverness South in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly as a member of the Progressive Conservative Party. During his tenure, he served as Minister of Culture, Recreation, and Fitness, championing cultural enrichment and recreational opportunities for all Nova Scotians.

Billy Joe returned to municipal politics in 1994, once again serving as Mayor of Port Hawkesbury. His leadership during this period fostered economic growth and enhanced the quality of life for residents. He remained a steadfast advocate for his community until his retirement in 2016.

Billy Joe’s life was a testament to dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the greater good. He was a man of integrity, compassion, and vision, whose contributions have left a lasting impact on the community he loved so dearly. His commitment to the Strait Area is evidenced by the successful completion of the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, The Strait Nautical Institute and the Strait Area Education and Recreation Centre – three major initiatives that have created a lasting legacy for the region.

As we remember Billy Joe, let us celebrate his remarkable journey and the countless lives he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to serve with the same passion and dedication that he exemplified throughout his life.

Rest in peace, Billy Joe. Your legacy will live on in our hearts and in the community you so faithfully served. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, April 26^th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and Sunday, April 27^th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.in the Port Hawkesbury Civic Center, Bear Head Room, 606 Reeves Street, Port Hawkesbury. Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, April 29^th at 10 a.m. in St Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 138 Granville Street, Port Hawkesbury with Father Joby Augustin and Deacon Berkley Guthro officiating. Private burial to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Following the Funeral Mass a reception will follow in the Bear Head Room of the Port Hawkesbury Civic Center. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Homes, Port Hawkesbury. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com