Ingonish
It is with heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of Gerald MacLeod on Monday, April 6, 2026, at Buchanan Memorial Hospital, Neil’s Harbour. He was a devoted husband, proud father, and grandfather, skilled craftsman, and long-time lobster fisherman whose hands and heart were never still.
Born on February 20, 1967, Gerald spent much of his life lobster fishing on Middle Head shore as Captain of his boat, in Ingonish. He could always be found in his building working on a project, always keeping himself busy and rarely sitting still. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, offering his time, skill and quiet generosity without hesitation.
Gerald had the best sense of humor and always enjoyed a good laugh. His quick wit and easygoing nature brought lightness to those around him and his laughter is something that will be deeply missed.
Above all else, Gerald was a family man. He shared 31 loving years with his wife, Lisa, who stood beside him through every season of life. Together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and resilience. He was a proud and devoted father to his son, James and daughter, Kayla, who he loved immensely and who were his constant source of pride. He treasured his role as a grandfather to Jaxon, whose presence brought him immeasurable joy. Gerald embraced Jeremy, not only as a son-in-law, but as a cherished and loved member of the family. He also held a special place in his heart for his mother-in-law, Valerie MacNeil. Her love, guidance, and steady support throughout his life was something he always valued.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Lisa; daughter, Kayla (Jeremy); son James; brother, Joe (Janice) Donovan; sister, Rita (Darrell) MacLeod; brothers-in-law, Dan MacNeil, and Darren (Donna) MacNeil; niece, Jennifer; nephew, Joey; uncle and aunt, Donald and Brenda, who he was always thankful for.
Gerald was predeceased by parents, Jimmy and Patsy MacLeod; grandparents, Bert and Mary Viola MacLeod, and Neil and Rita Donovan.
A special thank you to his long-time best bud, Steven MacNeil, who he was truly grateful for; for standing by him through everything, his daily phone calls just to check in and his constant presence. It meant so much to him.
Gerald will be remembered for his gentle nature, his kindness, his humor and the quiet ways he showed his love; through hard work, in the time he gave to others and through the life he created with his family. Though he may no longer be with us in person, his legacy lives on in the values he passed down, and memories that will forever anchor those who knew him. He will be dearly missed and forever loved.
We, the family, would like to thank Dr. Nicola Smith and the Buchanan Memorial staff who made his transition easier with their kindness and warmth.
Honoring Geralds wishes, there will be no services and cremation has taken place. There will be a graveside burial at a later date.
Donations in memory of Gerald may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
So sorry to hear about Geralds passing.
I am a friend of his mother-in-law, Valerie Mac Neil. My condolences to the family.
From: Carolyn Murphy, Ottawa. Ont
My sincerest condolences to all who loved Gerald. He was a great guy and always had that smile for everyone.
So sad to hear of Geralds passing he was a vary funny guy with a smile that could light up a room.
Dear Lisa and family of Gerald .my heart skipped a beat when I read your loss of Gerald .please take my promise Lisa I will keep Gerald in my prayers at night time and for your stregth to carry on hun.our deepest condolences
I’m so thankful Steve and I went down home and spent a few days with Gerald,, Lisa , and James two years ago, his contagious laughter and smile I will always remember rest in peace Gerald love always and never forgotten ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Gerald was a very kind hearted, loving man. I am very sorry for the loss of this man.
Lisa and family, so sorry for your loss
Gerald was one of a kind. I truly enjoyed every day we were on the boat together. Lots and lots of laughs on the water. A gental sole and a great human. You will be missed 💔
My deepest condolences 💐
May each happy memory remain a joy in your hearts forever💕
I’m having a hard time even believing I’m writing this right now.
Today I got the news that my childhood friend Gerald has passed away, and honestly… it just doesn’t feel real.
Gerald wasn’t just somebody I knew.
He was part of my life growing up in Ingonish.
We went to school together our whole lives.
Same town, same classrooms, same years, same memories.
When you grow up with someone like that, they become part of your story forever.
Even if life takes you in different directions and the years go by, those memories never leave you.
And when they’re gone, it all comes back at once.
The laughs.
The school days.
The young years.
The things only old friends from home would understand.
And the truth is… I’m struggling with this one.
People always say everything happens for a reason, but right now I just can’t make sense of that.
Because what could possibly be the reason for taking a man away from his family when they need him so much?
How does that make sense?
How is that fair?
I don’t have the answers for that today.
All I know is this hurts.
My heart breaks most for the people he loved the most.
Lisa and James — I want you both to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers today.
I can’t even begin to imagine the weight of what you’re carrying right now.
There are no words that can make this better, and I know that.
But I hope somehow, through all of this pain, you can find even the smallest bit of comfort in knowing how loved Gerald was.
I pray you find strength in each other.
I pray you are surrounded by people who hold you up when this feels too heavy.
And I pray you know you are not alone in this.
Gerald, rest easy my friend.
From the days of growing up in Ingonish to the memories that will stay with me forever…
you will always be remembered.
Gone far too soon.
Never forgotten
So sorry to hear this news. Gerald was such a lovely person. Sending my deepest condolences to your family.
My heartfelt Condolences Lisa and family I did not know Gerald well but when we did cross paths in the community he was always so pleasant, friendly and smiling.
May your memories and the love and support of family and friends help comfort you now and the days ahead.
Hi Lisa, James, Kayla and Families. My most sincere condolences on the loss of Gerald. I hope you all find comfort in the years you had him and all the memories you made. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs
So sorry to hear about Gerald’s
passing. I am a good friend of his mother-in-law, Valerie Mac Neil. My condolences go out to his family.
A great guy and cherished friend. My condolences to all.
My deepest and sincere condolences to you and your family, Lisa.
So sorry to hear of Geralds passing . Condolences to you all . He was a good man.
He will be missed .
There are no words that can express the loss of our dear son-in-law Gerald. He was a warm, kind, generous, good man who loved our darling daughter Lisa every moment of his life. Their love will live forever.
Lisa, Kayla, Jeromy, James and relatives and friends. My heat is broke at the loss of your Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and friend
My deepest sympathy’s. You were all so lucky to have such a Man in your Family. My prayers and thoughts are with you. He will truly be missed. RIP Gerald.
Bless his heart, love and prayers to you all. Gerald was a kind, gentle soul. 🙏🙏❤️❤️✨️✨️✨️
Sending Deepest condolences Lisa, James and Kayla. Gerald was a wonderful neighbor, we will miss him. Sending prayers and blessing, RIP GERALD.
RIP Gerald, I will forever miss you.
So Sorry too here Gerald passed , , Deedest condolences too all .
I will miss seeing him in the campground. He was so friendly and kind and always had a big Hello whenever I saw him. Hugs to you all. His light that he left this community will live on. He will be forever missed.
Sending our deepest condolences to Lisa, Kayla, James and all your family on the tremendous loss of Gerald. We are thinking and praying for you all.
Sending our condolences to all of Gerald’s loved ones. He was a very kind man with a big heart and will be deeply missed by our community.
My deepest condolences Lisa to you and your family. My heart is breaking for you. Sending love and prayers.
So sorry to hear this news. My deepest condolences to his family. I was lucky enough to meet Gerald when he and the boys build our small cottage and Gerald did all the land prep work. Aprox 10 years ago that took place giving us a place in Ingo which we love. Gerald was back several times with his tractor and did more work, fun guy, big heart and we always had some laughs. Rest easy buddy.
Lisa,James,Kayla Jerremy My deepest condolences to you on your loss of Gerald..He fought the battle with faith courage but the Lord called him home,Gerald was a kind ,gentle and loving Husband and Father..Anyone who was lucky enough to have known Gerald knew he loved his family with all his heart..My sympathy to the MacNeil and MacLeod families on Gerald’s passing.Rest in Peace Gerald.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
How blessed I’ve been to have such wonderful neighbors! Gerald always had a big smile and a cheerful ‘hello’ across the yard for us whenever we were outdoors doing gardening or crossing ways at the store – especially having a laugh saying things like “fancy meeting YOU here, neighbor!” when we met in town. Kind and ready to lend a hand whenever needed, he will be terribly missed.
Lisa, Kayla and James… my heart is so full of sorrow for the loss you are grieving. I hope you will remember that my door is always open and the kettle is on if you need a cuppa and a shoulder.
To gerards family iam so sorry to hear of your loss .Gerard was a wonderful guy i knew he for many years had so some goid laughs he will be missed rest in peace my friend .
Although he has passed on , his legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Deepest condolences . Ray and Audrey
Lisa and family, sending you our deepest condolences.
You are in our prayers and thoughts at this difficult time.