It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Donald Gregory MacPhee on Sunday, November 6, 2022 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, surrounded by his adoring family. Donnie was born in Sydney to James and Annie MacPhee (MacArthur).
Donnie retired as an operator at the Oxygen Plant at Sydney Steel. A man of strong faith, he was a life-long member of St. Theresa's church where he was a eucharistic minister in his past. As a young man, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and of course, sports. Donnie was an avid Blue Jays and devoted Leafs fan and he never missed a chance to cheer on the Canadian curling teams. He had a passion for motorcycles. There wasn't a crossword or sudoku he couldn't solve, but his greatest treasure was being with the love of his life, Annie; the two were inseparable, sharing their love for skating, dancing and swimming but most importantly spending summers swimming at their bungalow in Ben Eoin. Whether it was all by themselves at the beach watching the sunset or sharing it with their ever-growing family around, both were filled with laughter, fun, love and beautiful memories.
Donnie will be sorely missed by his wife of 65 years, Annie; his children Jim (Cyndee), Steve (Betty-Anne), Tom (Karen), Cathy (Ambrose), Mike (Mary), and Lita (Wayne). His 16 grandchildren who know him as “Dedo”; Josh (Erin), Justine (Matt) Tiana (Dave) Keely-Shae; Ellen, Andrew (Caitlyn), Joanna (Linden); Sarah (Jordan), Gabriel, Rachael; Lisa (Nima), Gregory (Andrea), Danielle (Eddie); Danica; Jenna (Ryan) and Kayla. Along with their five great grandchildren.
Surviving is his sister Kathleen Simpson, sister-in-law Dorothy Granich and Margie (James MacPhee) and brother in law John Furdas (Katie Granich). Aside from his parents, Donnie was predeceased by his mother and father-in-law Anthony and Sylvia Granich, sister-in-law Katie Granich, brother-in-law Tom Granich, five sisters Nin, Ann, Margie, Jean, and Rita and three brothers Joseph, Tommy and James.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff on 4A at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital during Donnie’s short hospitalization.
Visitation to celebrate “Dedo’s” life will be held on Wednesday, November 9th at 5:00pm-8:00pm at T.W. Curry's Funeral Home in Sydney with a funeral Mass celebrated at St. Theresa’s Church Thursday, November 10th at 11:00am by Fr. Evo Dipierro. Family interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks. If desired, donations in Donnie’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice. Family floral arrangement only.
We the family felt blessed and privileged to have had such a wonderful man in our lives who showed us kindness, caring and love everyday. His quick wit and great sense of humour will forever be remembered.
As Dedo would say “Bye for now” also last quoted saying “Go and enjoy life”.
