It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Wilfred Charles MacIsaac, 66, of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, on May 15, 2022.
Wilfred was born on August 18, 1955, to Dr. Wilfred & Theresa MacIsaac of Margaree Forks, Cape Breton. After graduating with a Bachelor of Political Science from St. Francis Xavier University in 1978, he went on to become a Drilling Fluids Engineer, working on oil rigs while traveling the world to provide for his beloved family, his endless source of pride and inspiration.
Wilfred married Debbie, the love of his life, on May 21, 1983. Ben and Cameron soon followed and it became evident to all who knew him that Wilf had truly found his life’s purpose as his every thought and action thereafter clearly revolved around loving, nurturing, and sustaining this family.
Wilf loved to play crib, especially against his father-in-law, Bill. He was an avid golfer, equally at ease at St. Andrew’s, Pebble Beach, or on his home course in Antigonish where he landed his first hole in one last summer.
He was also a passionate Chicago Black Hawks fan, always prepared and ready to engage in lighthearted banter with anybody who felt lucky enough to exchange humorous blows, especially if you were a Leafs fan.
Long before Google searches, Wilfred was an endless source of wisdom and knowledge about virtually any subject area that involved history, politics, religion, world geography, sports, travel, or even the NY Times crossword puzzle. He sponsored and helped engineer countless family excursions by virtue of his generosity and healthy Air Miles program.
He was a truth teller, prepared to challenge the status quo, but always engaging in a patient, kind, and respectful manner.
Beyond his endless love for family, Wilf will be remembered by all who knew him for his quick wit and sense of humor, his willingness to listen to everyone’s story, and his ability to make friends. Indeed, Wilf made everyone feel as though they were his best friend. He was the central, stabilizing force in any family gathering and was always ready, with dish towel over shoulder, to help prepare a meal, or to be the first to clean up afterward.
Wilf was predeceased by his father, Dr. Wilfred MacIsaac, his mother, Theresa, mother-in-law, Wilma, and his brother-in-law, Joe Rankin.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie (Cameron), his sons, Ben (Geneva) and Cameron (Joanna), his grandsons, Lauchlin & Sonny, and grand daughter, Parker, with a grandson on the way in August. He also leaves behind his brothers Bill (Irene), Paul (Eloise), Ronald (Jane) his sister, Anne (Joe-deceased), father-in-law, Bill (Wilma-deceased), Thea, the billet/niece who never left, as well as many nieces, nephews, his four godchildren, and extended family members and close friends who will miss him dearly.
The family would like to thank Drs. Emma Chiasson and Ron McCormick, the V.O.N., as well as the nursing staff and other doctors at the Antigonish Regional Hospital in the Oncology and Palliative Care Units for their ongoing care, selflessness, and compassion during this past year. Wilfred was very grateful to have emerged with his dignity in tact, largely due to their tireless efforts.
There will be no visitation. Funeral services will take place at St. Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 21. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation, Oncology or Palliative Units, or the V.O.N.