MacGillivray, James Ignatius, 80, Williams Point, Antigonish Co. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our hero…a Husband, Father, Papa, Brother, Uncle, and Friend. Gallantly, his departure occurred October 5, 2025, in the Palliative Care Unit of St. Martha's Regional Hospital, Antigonish.
Born in Antigonish, he was the son of the late Jack and Mary Ellen (Connors) MacGillivray. He lived his entire life in Williams Point - "The Point" - and felt like there was no other and was so proud of where he came from.
Besides his 37 years of dedicated service as chief engineer at the St.Francis Xavier University Physical Plant, he dedicated his life to continuing his father’s legacy in caring & working for the family farm in Williams Point. He was a farmer at heart and loved farming life in its totality - hay season, his cattle, Christmas trees, and his enormous gardens, which he shared with anyone who wanted vegetables.
He loved the outdoors and sports. His natural farm strength made him a force to be reckoned with in the sport of Tug O’ War, winning provincial & Eastern NS titles with the Harbour Combines and West River teams. He also shared a great passion for softball with his brothers and neighbors, culminating with an Atlantic Canadian championship title with his beloved Williams Point teammates.
He was strong and steadfast, his roots deeply anchored in family, faith, loyalty and in love. Dad’s strength was quiet, yet undeniable. He braved the storm of his disease, bending but never breaking, and never complaining. In this tapestry of our lives, he was the strongest of our threads. His love weaved our family together through acts of kindness, generosity, and his good deeds to his fellow man. We couldn’t forget to mention his shared humour through his amazing storytelling.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Gladys (MacPhie); daughter, Shelly, Williams Point; sons, Carl (Charmaine), Lakeside, NS; Harold (Nancy) Williams Point; and Devon, Annapolis Valley, NS; his beloved grandchildren Chelsea, Dalton, Dale, Landon, Hadlee, Olivia, Ainsley, and Emmie, who were the world to him.
He is also survived by brothers, John (Bev), and Vince, Edmonton, AB; Donald (Mary Anne), Dartmouth; and Coady (Kim), Frankville, ON; sisters, Mary (Jim) Scriver, Saskatchewan; Rebecca (Arthur) Lausch, Tatamagouche; Janice (Greg) Fraser, Williams Point; sisters-in-law, Ruby and Veronica MacGillivray, Antigonish; Anne (Ray) MacDonald, Arisaig; and Dottie Fox, Chicago; and numerous nieces and nephews and countless cousins.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph "Dody", Kevin, and Allan; sister, Catherine Kuzyk; nine infant siblings; parents-in-law Harold and Louise MacPhie; brothers-in-laws, Harold James, John M, William "Billy', and Leonard MacPhie; and sisters-in-law, Joan and Janet MacPhie.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 10th from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm in C.L. Curry Funeral Home. 135 College St. Antigonish. Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday at 11:00am in St. Ninan Cathedral, Antigonish, with Reverend Danny MacLennan presiding. Burial at a later date.
In Memoriam, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society appreciated.
A
gracious thank you to Dr. Rice, Valerie
Pettipas,
and the entire Palliative Care team at St. Martha’s
Hospital. Your compassion, respect, kindness, tender care
&
dignity shown to Dad will never be
forgotten.
But for now, alas, tremendous worker, your labour is finally finished. You may not physically stand beside us, yet we will feel your presence in the beauty of nature. Be it at Cape George, on the beach, where our family spent many memorable summer times; or in the woods, you driving the tractor with grandkids in the wagon, to pick out the perfect Christmas trees.
We will miss you forever, but thank you for all you taught us, values you instilled, and LOVE you gave. Heaven has gained an angel with a beautiful soul.
Online condolences: www.clcurry.com.