MACDOUGALL
Shawn Gregory MacDougall, November 16th, 1979 – August 4th, 2026. Shawn passed away suddenly on August 4th, 2026, following a brief but brave battle with cancer. He was a skilled and dedicated heavy equipment operator who worked with steady hands and an iron nerve. Shawn was a master of his craft, known for his strength, grit, and incredible work ethic. He spent years commanding the heavy machinery that shaped the landscape, expertly operating loaders, managing crushers, clearing pits, and feeding the bins. The roads and pathways he helped build stand as a lasting testament to his hard work. Above all his achievements in the seat of a machine, Shawn’s greatest pride and joy was his beloved son, Theo. He was a deeply devoted husband to his wife, Cyndle. Outside of his hard work in the quarries, Shawn found his true peace and comfort at his home by the beautiful waters of Lake Ainslie. Shawn’s final shift is over, the engine has cooled, and he is now at rest. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Greg and Annette (Beaton) MacDougall. He will be deeply missed but forever cherished by his wife, Cyndle, and his son, Theo. He is also survived by his dear Aunt Kay and Uncle Murdock MacKinnon, and his cousins Craig MacKinnon and Blair MacKinnon (Shauna). Shawn leaves behind his honorary family members who held a special place in his heart: Michael, Karen, Curtis, and Mike (Natasha) Gillis, as well as David (Barbara) MacLean. He will be remembered fondly by his extended family, friends, and coworkers. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 14th, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Lake Ainslie Fire Hall. Please join the family for an evening of music and remembering to honour Shawn’s life. Arrangements for Shawn are under the care and direction of Sunset Funeral Co-op Ltd. Online condolences: www.sunsetfuneralco-op.com.
MALAREK
Joseph Roger (LeFort) Malarek, Age 83, Chéticamp, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026, at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Chéticamp after a year long battle with lung cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends. Born in Chéticamp on December 7th, 1942, he was the eldest child of the late Isabelle (Bella) Poirier and Michel Malarek. Roger met the love of his life Marie-Alice at the young age of 19, and they married on August 7th, 1965 at St. Peter’s Church in Chéticamp. They lived a very loving life of 60 years. Roger worked at the Cape Breton Highlands National Park for 18 years as a mechanic. He was a member of the Alcoholics Anonymous for 48 years, where he was a very supportive and helpful sponsor to many people in need. He cherished his summer fishing trips with his lifelong friend, Cyril, where they spent many days fishing trout at Long Lake, listening to Cayouche’s music. He also spent many fishing trips with his son-in-law, Mark, who he shared a special bond with. Roger also enjoyed playing his harmonica, especially when he accompanied songs on the local radio. Roger adored picking many sorts of berries, as well as caring for his plum and cherry trees. He was also an avid gardener, and enjoyed nature by going on long walks with his granddaughters Melissa and Amélie, who he loved dearly. He had a love for birds and would spend hours on his deck birdwatching. Master of the game of crib, Roger loved playing against his wife, Marie-Alice, his nephew, Claudius, and his daughter, Donna, which he would skunk many times. Roger was not only an amazing father to his daughter Donna, but was also a caring father figure to many who were dear to him. We will always remember Roger for his kind smile, wise words, big heart, and jokester personality. Roger is survived by his wife, Marie Alice (Boudreau) LeFort; daughter, Donna Larade (Mark); brothers, Leo LeFort (Jeannine), Fidèl LeFort (Lucienne), and Victor Malarek (Anna); and his grandchildren, Melissa Larade (Mitchell) and Amélie Larade (Joe). Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his adoptive father, Henry LeFort. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 13th, 2026 at St. Peter’s Church, Cheticamp from 10 a.m. until time of funeral mass at 11 a.m. with Father Daniel Gustave officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to palliative care, Cheticamp or the Cape Breton Cancer Patient Care Fund. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Cheticamp Funeral Services Ltd. Condolences may be sent to: www.cheticampfuneralservices.ca.