Englishtown
(1943-2023) It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of John Alexander MacAskill of Englishtown on Friday, December 8, 2023, at the Victoria County Memorial Hospital in Baddeck, after a courageous battle with cancer.
John is perhaps best known for his time spent on the water. From his young days working on boats and fish traps in St. Ann’s Bay, to working on ships in the Great Lakes and North Atlantic, to his return to St Ann’s to fish lobster, he was always at home on the water. When not fishing, he also spent time on the water regaling tourists and visitors of the local history and stories of St Ann’s while doing boat tours to Bird Islands for almost three decades.
Besides his time on the water, John also worked in a variety of construction efforts ranging from the construction of the Seal Island bridge to the Cabot Trail. In his off time, he appreciated the outdoors enjoying the local scenery, hunting, or camping. Most notably some of his favorite times were at St Ann’s Campground in Jersey Cove with many friends and family, telling stories by the campfires, playing darts, or taking people mackerel fishing.
John also invested in his community over the years supporting the local Englishtown Community Hall, the Gaelic College and its Foundation, and the Liberal party.
John is survived by wife, Donelda (Morrison); sons, John A. (Marisa), Donald K. (Carolyn), and Frank K. (Melissa); grandchildren, Iain, Emma, Abigail, Molly, Alex, and Sloan; brothers, Kenny and Angus (Marion); sisters, Jane MacPherson and Barbara Egan; brother-in-law, Roderick MacDonald; as well as many nephews and nieces.
John is predeceased by parents, John and Margaret; daughter, Tara Lynn Marie; father and mother-in-law, Donald and Muriel Morrison; brothers, Allister (Donna), George (Marguerite), Archibald, and Norman (Patsy); sisters, Laura (AJ), Jessie (John Christie, Thomas Mudge), Tena (Jim Munroe), Anna (Jim Wilson), Emiline (Carl Campbell), and Carola (Roderick MacDonald); brothers-in-law, Leo Egan, and Malcolm MacPherson; sister-in-law, Lillian MacAskill; nieces, Patricia Wilson, Chrissie Clark, Florrie MacLeod, Paula DeMerchant, and nephews, David Christie, Shawn MacAskill, (his wife, Peggy) and Richard Nolan.
There will be no visitation or funeral for the late John MacAskill at this time. A celebration of life and private burial will be held at a later date.
In honour of the efforts from both the Inverness and Baddeck hospital staff, the family asks that any donations be made in John’s memory to the Inverness Hospital or the Victoria County Memorial Hospital/Hospice Baddeck.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Donalda and Family, so sorry for your loss, please know that our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Brenda & Keats Biron.
From: Keats and Brenda Biron
As I learn of John’s passing I’m so sad for you and your family Donalda. He fought a difficult battle but is now at peace. My condolences Donalda and family, my heart goes out to you. Love and hugs Anita
From: Anita Webb
Dear Donelda: So sorry to hear about your Husbands passing. Sending my deepest Condolences to you and your family. Take care. Love. Christena Lyons.
Sending my deepest condolences to you all. I have no profound words to offer that will ease your pain. I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
I hope all your fond memories will bring you some comfort going forward.
Our sincere condolences to Donelda and the entire family. We are deeply saddened to hear of John’s peaceful passing. He was a pillar in the community and has left a tremendous void.
John’s calm manner and beautiful smile will be fondly remembered.
Only a few short months ago he stood with us shoulder to shoulder and gave us strength, comfort and shared his kindness. A compassionate person we loved John deeply.
May you all find strength & comfort in the coming days, as you lift each other up. And keep the memories you hold from fonder times spent together close. Much love to you all, Susan Stephen & Bruce Bonner, Ottawa, Ontario xoxo
So very sorry to read of John’s passing or Johnnie Alex as we country people referred to him as.
You are a strong woman Donelda but this is one of your biggest test.
The journey has been long and painful.
Sending love and healing hugs to you all.
So sorry for your lost
-From Harold Seymour
Kenny, Stephen, and families,
We are very sorry for your loss.
Bert and Maurina Lewis
So sorry to see where Johnnie Alex has passed away. We had many fun ball games together in our younger days. He was one of the good ones. Sincere best wishes to the family.
My deepest condolences to you and your family, Donelda.