John Croll Mackley, 83, of Sydney, died peacefully on April 20, 2020 at Harbourstone. A gentle soul, John was born on Oct 17, 1936, to Mamie (Bryden) and Raymond Mackley. He was a proud alumnus of Sydney Academy, Xavier Junior College, and St. Francis Xavier University, and lifelong member of St. Theresa’s Parish in Sydney. He received his Diploma of Engineering (‘59), Bachelor of Arts (’60), Bachelor of Education (’61), Masters of Education (’64), and Class 8 Teaching Certificate (’72). He began teaching at Sheriff Junior High in Sydney in 1961, before moving to Sydney Academy in 1967, where he taught earth sciences, geology, and night school, and stayed until his retirement in 1993.
John was a true athlete. He was quite the hockey player, and was the first student ever awarded an Interclass Sports “X” at Xavier Junior College. As a teacher, he coached boy’s hockey, and girl’s swimming and basketball at Sheriff and the Academy. John was also a lover of nature and the outdoors. He had a passion for swimming and skating, and loved to travel and camp with family and friends. He spent all of his summers in Ironville, where he swam daily in the waters of the beautiful Bras D’Or Lakes, and enjoyed cruising them in a boat he built himself. In Ironville, he took great pride in taking care of his personal golf course, and out-golfing his children at every opportunity. He loved to fish and shared his enthusiasm with friends, brothers-in-law, children, and grandchildren in later days. He will be remembered as an avid reader and music enthusiast, for his creative ability to reimagine song lyrics, and as a prankster who loved to get a laugh or a scare from anyone. John loved a good game of crib, a good lexicon, a good cigar, and never refused a good cup of tea.
John is survived by his wife and soulmate of 57 years, Genevieve. He is predeceased by his parents and siblings Carrie Stockley, Dorothy Dobranski, Helen Goucher, Reginald Mackley, Jean McInnis, Mildred MacNeil, Raylene Mackley, and Ray Mackley (in infancy). He is survived by his four children, Paul (Michelle) Mackley, Glen (Cathy Arsenault) Mackley, Arlene (Joseph) Campbell, and John (Janice) Mackley, and his many loving grandchildren: Michael (Julianne Stevenson) and Melissa (Brian Hamilton) Mackley; Jami and Johanna Campbell; Emma and Jaxon Mackley; Stephanie, Ryan, Scott, and Jennifer Arsenault. He is also survived by his sister, Pauline (Pius) Campbell, plus many in-laws, and special nieces and nephews. The family would also like to thank friends Steve, Cecelia, and Colleen for all of their support.
Arrangements have been entrusted to TW Curry Sydney. At this time, no public visitation or mass is planned. A memorial for John will be organized at a later date. As much as we would love to come together as a family to celebrate John—Dad, Grandpa, Mr. Mackley—it is important to us (and would be to him) that everyone remain safe, support and love each other, and take some time to check in on a loved one. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
