Sydney
We are sad to announce the passing of Malcolm ‘Sonny’ MacAulay on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, in the palliative care unit.
Born in Sydney on January 10, 1942, Sonny was the son of the late Allister and Thelma MacAulay.
For many years Sonny worked at the Sydney Steel Plant, in various positions throughout the plant with his final position being a crane operator, which he loved. Sonny was an avid horse man, who alongside his father raced many horses at the local track something they truly enjoyed together.
Sonny enjoyed spending his time going on scenic drives with his family and ending up at racetracks all over the Atlantic provinces just to slip in at least a couple races. He also enjoyed his time as a hockey coach with Sydney Miner Hockey for many years, from there he became an active part of his grandkids sports never missing a game or practice.
Sonny is survived by his loving wife, Becky (MacNeil) of 61 years; children, Cathy and Allister (Jenn); grandchildren, Shawn, Thomas, Sarah and as well as his great-grandchildren, Mason, Isabella, and Luka.
We, the family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of unit 3B and palliative care unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital for the endless support and care they gave to Sonny and Family.
Memorial service to celebrate the life of Sonny MacAulay will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11 a.m. in the Bethel Presbyterian Church with Rev. Davd F. Coull officiating. Interment will take place in New Calvary Cemetery, Whitney Pier.
Donations in memory of Sonny may be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
My heartfelt and sincere condolences to Becky. Kathy, Allister and family. Sonny was a wonderful friend and we shared many good times and lots of laughts. He would pick us up to go for a drive and 4 or 5 hours later we would arrive home. Love and hugs to all.
From: Marilyn Ferguson
We wanted to pass on our condolences from the Drapers. We were lucky to be introduced and welcomed to your family and Mason will always cherish his time and the keepsakes he got from Sonny (the cowboy boots are on proud display in his bedroom). He was a great man and he will be missed.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Sonny. He was a Neighbor and Friend of my late Grandparents and Gordon & Margaret Morrison. He was always so down to Earth, friendly and always made you laugh. He will be remembered dearly by his many family and friends. Rest in Peace Sonny!
So sorry to hear of Sonny’s passing. Our condolences go out to you all. Sonny was a friend for many years. Allister ,Kathy, Becky and family, our thoughts are with you all.
Condolences to Becky, Cathy and Allister and families. Sonny was a good friend. He was always up for a chat and a laugh. A fine man who loved his family. He will be missed.
To Sonny’s family my deepest condolences so sorry for your loss
Becky, Cathy and Allister I am thinking of you all and hope that you all will find your way through this tremendous loss. Sonny was by far a great person and I was very glad to have had him in my life, he always had a good story and the best sense of humour. I am certain that everybody that knew him is feeling the loss! Rest in peace Sonny and enjoy the rest of the angels that are up there welcoming you with open arms.
Oh my goodness, Becky, I am so sad to hear this terrible news. A great guy. Sending lots of love and hugs to all of you. XOXO May Sonny rest in peace.
So sorry to hear about Sonny. He was a permanent fixture in the “hood” and will be missed by everyone.
Deepest sympathy to Becky and family ,our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sincere condolences to Becky, Cathy, Shaun and the entire MacAulay family. We enjoyed many years of hockey fun. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Jimmy and Sherry Oakley
For my friends , the Macaulay family, words cannot express how saddened we are to hear of Sonny’s passing, growing up he was instrumental, to Allister and I, taught us loads of lifelong lessons, every Christmas Becky invited us all over for her Christmas treats, my favourite was her pirogies. Still to this day never had a better one, Becky, Al, and Cathy please accept our sincerest condolences Sonny was a Great husband, father, grandfather and friend , rest in peace Sonny. You will certainly be missed
Becky, Cathy, Allister and families, our sincere condolences in the passing of Sonny. Always a pleasure to meet Sonny, great stores and great laugh. Sonny will be dearly missed.
Becky, Cathy, Allister and families, our sincere condolences in the passing of Sonny. Always a pleasure to meet Sonny, great stores and great laugh. Sonny will be dearly missed.
Becky, Cathy, Allister and families, our sincere condolences in the passing of Sonny. Always a pleasure to meet Sonny, great stores and great laugh. Sonny will be dearly missed.
Sincere condolences on the death of Sonny. Our family had many years of fun with Sonny and hockey. To Becky and family our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Sonny’s passing. He was a great neighbour and friend. I always enjoyed our talks. May you always know Sonny was well liked and always willing to lend a helping hand.
sincere sympathies to Becky and family.we have lost a true friend of many many years.workmate,coach and client.
Becky so sorry to hear of Sonny” passing my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I worked with Sonny in the yard and docks and in the hold of various ships. We eventually ended up on the cranes. Sonny and his old buddy Milton were a team for sure. Becky, I’m sorry for your loss. I’m sad to see another old steel worker go.
Dear Becky, Rodney and I are thinking of you and the family. We send our deepest sympathy to all.
Deepest condolences to Becky,Cathy Allister and grandchildren .How sad to lose such a wonderful husband ,father and Papa.My heart goes out to you.You now have a new guardian Angel.
Becky, Cathy, Allister and family, condolences to you all on loss of Sonny. My son (Matthew) played hockey with Shawn (Grandson of Sonny) on the Dartmouth Subways for a couple of years. Sonny was such a wonderful man, so many stories, which I truly cherished. Being a Cape Bretoner myself, loved hanging with Sonny and you all during those years. Take care. Cecil Snow
Becky, Cathy, Shaun and MacAulay family so sad to read of Sonny’s passing. Of course getting to know Sonny thru Shaun playing hockey we had many a good laughs and good times. He will be truly missed by all. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
I was sorry to read of Sonny’s passing. We were kids together and he is one of the last Prince Street boys. My condolences to his family.
My condolences to all of his family. Unfortunately I am not able to attend the service in person. Sonny was my hockey coach during my last days of minor hockey (1990-1993). Although we were officially the Sydney Steelers we the players affectionately called ourselves the ‘Sonny Supersonics’. I was captain of those teams that Sonny coached us and it was by far the most fun I had playing. He cared for us as we did for him. All these years later anyone who played on those teams still refer to them as the ‘Supersonics’. Thanks coach!
Dear Becky, Allister,, Susie Q, and Family, so sorry to hear of Sonny’s passing. He was so good to my Mom when my dad passed and he did all those nice Reno’s for her on the house, gosh it’s been so long. Anyway, thinking of you, much love, Rhonda Raoul( nee) Coadic.
Becky I was sorry to read of Sonny’s passing. Sending my sincere condolences to you, Cathy and Allister.
Oh my goodness, Becky, I am so sad to hear this terrible news. A great guy. Sending lots of love and hugs to all of you. XOXO May Sonny rest in peace.