It is with heavy hearts that we the family announce the sudden passing of our devoted husband, father, father-in-law, papa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend at home on Saturday, December 16th, 2023.
Born on June 3, 1945 and raised in Whitney Pier, Michael was the son of the late Michael and Tena (Small) MacIsaac. He attended Holy Redeemer Boys’ School, Don Bosco Junior High, Our Lady of Good Counsel Academy (Monastery, NS) and Sydney Academy.
Michael began his long working career at Dosco Steel in 1964, while attending Xavier Junior College and St.FX University graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor of Arts and Education. Michael later attended St. Mary’s University for his Masters in Education. During Michael’s long teaching career of 29 years, he taught all levels at many area schools starting with MacIsaac Junior High in Main-a-Dieu, Sacred Heart, Holy Angels Junior and Senior High, Central Junior High, St. John and Holy Cross, Cuisak Elementary, South Bar Elementary, and finished off his teaching career at Marion Bridge Elementary. During his teaching years, he was very involved with coaching and extracurricular activities. Michael made many special connections with students and colleagues at each and every one of these schools.
Michael was known for his favorite place on earth, Red Point. There was nothing better than spending the day on the beach with his grandchildren and all his family or “fishing” and “hunting” with his buddies. Everyone always looked forward to time spent in Red Point with him.
Michael also took great pride in his Celtic heritage. He had a vast knowledge of his family background and ancestral history. His ability to captivate people with his storytelling, sense of humor, and factual knowledge of World History was greatly appreciated by all those in his company.
There was not a Sunday that went by without both he and mom spending the evening listening to The Donnie Campbell Show. His love of his Celtic heritage also was present in his taste of music. Michael was quite the talent with his harmonicas and accordions and always looked forward to his frequent jam sessions with the boys. He also felt that a sense of community was very important and spending your time with people is what counted. One of his most passionate projects was volunteering with The Cape Breton County Homemakers and his work with St. Vincent de Paul.
Michael is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Rita (Penney) MacIsaac; daughters, Maureen (Bradley) MacNeil and Renee MacIsaac. His two favorite people on earth, his grandchildren: Ethan MacDonald and Avery MacNeil, all of the Sydney area. Brother, Vernon (Donna), Westmount; sister, Maureen (Bill) MacEachern, Dartmouth; sisters-in-law, Cathy MacIsaac, Brenda Penny, Madonna Saunders, Mary Penney, and brother-in-law, Leonard Penney. Michael was dearly loved by his nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews who appreciated his wisdom and his personal interest in them.
Besides his parents and his in-laws, Mary and Leonard Penney, Michael was predeceased by his twin brother Ross, brothers, George and Gregory; brother-in-law, Tom Penny, as well as grandparents, aunts and uncles, who were very dear to him.
The family is very grateful to the assistance of the first responders for their wonderful care and empathy given to Michael and his family during his time of need. We would also like to thank Fr. Conrad Edwards for all his support.
Visitation for the late Michael MacIsaac will be held Tuesday, December 19th, 2023 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St. Sydney.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 20th, 2023, at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Sydney River, at 11 a.m. with Fr. Conrad officiating. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Internment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks, NS at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Michael can be made to a charity of one’s choice or St. Vincent de Paul.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
"Cha bhi e fad a-nis"
