Duncan Francis MacIntyre

88, Sydney

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dad, papa and brother on June 11, 2014 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.

Duncan was born in 1926 to Mary (MacLean) and Angus MacIntyre of Sydney. Mary and Angus believed in the importance of family, integrity, kindness and hard work. These principles helped to form the characteristics of the person we called dad.

Dad's love for athletics started in his childhood, although he played rugby and football, his love was hockey. He excelled in the sport, and played for St. Francis Xavier (St. FX) University. While there, he was awarded the Larkin Trophy. He was one of the university's first inductees into their sports hall of fame in 1978; in 1996, he was inducted into the N.S. Sports Hall of Fame and in 1998 to the Cape Breton Sports Hall of Fame. St. FX instilled the importance of education, a teaching he would pass onto his children and grandchildren.

Following university, and through his successful playing career with the Sydney Millionaires, he was drafted by both the Montreal Canadians and Detroit Red Wings. Rather than pursue the NHL dream, he made a financial decision. He continued to play for the Sydney Millionaires and sell cars for RJ Logue LTD. This afforded him a better livelihood and the ability to live in his beloved Cape Breton.

In 1956 he married Gussie Floyd and together they worked toward their life goals. In 1969 he became Dealer Principle of MacIntyre Chev Olds Ltd. His business accomplishments were recognized provincially as president of the N.S. Dealers Association, and nationally, as president of the Federal Automotive Dealers Association. In 1974 he was awarded the prestigious General Motors Triple Crown Award. In 2014 he was inducted into the CB Business Hall of Fame.

Volunteerism and giving back to his community was integral to Duncan's character. In the early sixties he was asked by President MacLellan if he would start and coach a junior X hockey team. His love of hockey prevailed and we often heard the stories "I coached him at junior X.". He strongly believed that sports offered an opportunity toward education.

He served as president of the Sydney Kiwanis Club overseeing the capital campaign for the Kiwanis pool in Sydney. The Kiwanis Music Festival initiation, the Kiwanis mile of money and the citrus fruit sale were also projects realized through his Kiwanis work.

He served as Commodore of the Royal CB Yacht Club. In his years on the board of directors the junior sailing program was initiated, feeling this would grow the sport for youth within the community.

In 1997, Duncan joined other community minded persons establishing the CB Screaming Eagles franchise. Again believing that hockey would be good for our youth and an economic stimulus to our economy.

In later years golf became his athletic passion. His family focus became his 21 grandchildren: the wisdom and guidance provided to them is immeasurable.

Left to mourn are his six children, Mary Lou (Kevin O’Neill), Anne (Kevin Orrell), Sandra (Paul Breski), Duncan (Anne), Floyd (Donnitta), Shaun (Denise); 21 grandchildren, Anne, Marissa; Kevin, Matthew, Floyd, Kelsey, Najala; Paul, Michael; Ainsley, Duncan, Alex, Olivia; Lauren, Kristen, Katherine, Claire; Kayla, Shaun, Chantelle, Rylan. The last surviving member of his immediate family, his beloved sister Kay O'Handley, Sydney. His sister in laws Carmel Chisholm and Helen Chisholm (Antigonish) , Anne Campbell (Halifax) Aggie MacIntyre (Sydney); and John and Loyola MacDougall, Sydney. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Gussie in 2005. His parents, Mary and Angus; brothers John (Chris), Donald (Irene) Marty; sisters, Anne (John Campbell), Maizie (John Cooke), and Marcella. His in-laws, Lena and Alex Peter Floyd; brothers-in-law, Joe Chisholm, John Chisholm, Michael Campbell, AJ Floyd; and Catherine and Ronald Chisholm.

Visitation will be at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel on Saturday, June 14 between 7 and 9 p.m.; and Sunday, June 15, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral mass will be concelebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, June 16 at St Anthony Daniel Church Sydney. Interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

The family would like to thank Dr. Liam Orrell, Dr. Paul MacDonald and Dr. Anne Frances D'Intino; the nurses and staff on 4B and the AnCala Palliative Care unit for their compassion and caring.

Donations may be made in Duncan's memory to the C.B. Regional Hospital Foundation Cardiac Care program fund or the Hospice Society of Cape Breton An Cala Palliative Care unit.