BAIRD
John Robb Baird, April 23rd, 1950 ~ August 18th, 2026: It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Robb Baird, in his 77th year, at home in Hillsborough, NS, surrounded by his beloved wife, Jackie, and loving sons Robb (Trish), Mike (Meaghan), Andrew (Kelsey), and Alex (Katie). John was the eldest brother to Eric (Rosie), Matt (Heather), Roger (Jennie), and Sandy (Rick). He was predeceased by his elder brother Keith (Wendy). He will be missed dearly by grandchildren Ryan, Aidan, Emma, Dimitri, and Laurie. John was born to loving parents Betty and Kenneth Baird in Galt, Ontario, in 1950. He attended Conestoga College and graduated in photography. He moved to Kirkland Lake as a photographer and AV tech at the local high school in 1972. There he met and married Jackie, a registered nurse in 1973. They both worked and raised four boys in Parry Sound, Ontario. The whole family was very involved in Scouting. John was kind, and funny, and always ready to lend a helping hand. In 2005, John and Jackie decided to follow their dream and move to Cape Breton. They purchased an old house, moved it to Hilsborough, and completely renovated it into a cozy, loving home where they have lived for 21 years.
Love matters most,
may it find a way to still be present
in the music of jigs and reels,
the sand and waves in Mabou beach,
in the yearly hatch of eaglets in the river below.
Forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered. Online Condolences: www.sunsetfuneralco-op.com.
BEATON
Winston Gerald Beaton (1941–2026): With extremely heavy hearts, the family of Winston Beaton announces his passing on August 14th, 2026, at Inverary Manor in Inverness, Nova Scotia. Born March 29th, 1941, in Inverness, Winston was a skilled tradesman and a devoted family man known as a “gentle giant.” He married Anne Marie Desveaux in 1967; she predeceased him in 1988. He later celebrated a commitment ceremony with Jean MacLean in 2025 after 21 years together. Winston is survived by his sister Rhonda Moran; son Chris (Nicole) Tew; daughter Leanne Bloomfield; step-daughter Debbie (Clint) MacPherson; and grandchildren Ben, Caitlin, Victoria, Drew, Lyndsay, Jarod, Owen, and Keigan. He was predeceased by Jean (MacLean) Beaton (2025), step-daughter Lynda O’Quinn, and many siblings. A cremation has taken place and a burial will be held at Mount Carmel Cemetery in New Waterford, Nova Scotia in the summer of 2027. Full obituary: www.sunsetfuneralco-op.com.
BOURGEOIS
Catherine Gemma Bourgeois, October 23rd, 1933 – August 16th, 2026: It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, age 92 at Foyer Père Fiset, Cheticamp, surrounded by her loving family. Gemma was a daughter of the late John W. and the late Elizabeth (Bourgeois) Roach. Mom loved to bake and she was in charge of providing all the desserts for every family holiday gathering. Despite making double batches of numerous desserts, in true Cape Breton fashion, she always fretted that there might not be enough for everyone. Of course there was always plenty. We will certainly miss her butterscotch pie, apple pie, mèmères squares, and cherry cheesecake! She very much enjoyed going to the casino with her son-in-law, Ron and was always so excited to share her winnings. She was also an avid reader and we are so grateful that she was able to enjoy her books even in her final days. Mom’s greatest joy was spending time with her family and she was especially proud of her grandchildren, Chantal and Charlie, whom she loved dearly. They are fortunate to have many wonderful memories of their sweet mèmère. She was a faithful and loving servant to God and she would say to anyone and everyone she met “I will pray for you my dear.” She lived her life in gratitude and her positive attitude and deep faith in God helped sustain her during the difficult times. She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Gizelle Chafe (Ron); grandchildren, Chantal Chafe (Will) and Charlie Chafe (Andrea); and brother, Lionel Roach (Janet); as well as her sisters and brothers-in-law and nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her close friends Leona and Peggy with whom she spent much time with while living in Sydney. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Charles Bourgeois; her son, Eric Bourgeois; brothers, Gerard Roach and André Roach; and her sister, Marie Thérèse LeBlanc. We are so very thankful for the kind and compassionate care that mom received from Dr. Stephanie Ellerker while living in Sydney and Dr. Amelie Maillet during the final months of her life. A huge thank you as well to all the wonderful staff at Foyer Père Fiset and Sacred Heart Community Health Centre. As mom used to say, “You are all angels on earth.” Rest easy Mom. We love you always. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 5th, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in St. Peter’s Church, Cheticamp with Father Daniel Gustave and Deacon Gerald LeBlanc officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Cheticamp. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Cheticamp Funeral Services Ltd. Condolences may be sent to: www.cheticampfuneralservices.ca.
CAMPBELL
Aonghas Iain Caimbeul | Angus John Campbell (1930-2026), second son of Dan J. Campbell and Mary MacLellan Campbell, entered this world, May 25th, 1930, at the Campbell home in Glenora – attending physicians Dr. Alexander MacNeil and Dr. Donald MacDonald – an alert and extremely intelligent boy – his mother Mary recalled! Angus was one of ten children born to Dan J. And Mary Campbell – five boys and five girls, namely John, Angus, Alex, Donald, James, Catherine, Anne, Mary, Margaret, and Helen.
In early life Angus acquired a keen interest in acquiring knowledge – be it world affairs, sports, Highland history, especially the Mabou pioneers and their descendants – born with a phenomenal memory, he knew the History of Inverness County by John L. MacDougall, and The Mabou Pioneers by Father A. D. MacDonald, simply by heart – read it once – he stored the information in his alert memory to the very end of life!
Hospitable by nature, Angus Campbell enjoyed chatting with his fellow people, sharing a story, especially a humourous one! Strong and fit, Angus was an expert at lifting heavy stones, hauling logs on his back, the running high jump, lazy stick, and shotput. Angus Campbell never drank liquor or smoked cigarettes, and only ate free-range food from the Campbell farm. Dan J. And Mrs. Campbell stressed that their children live by the Golden Rule, the ten commandments, always practice common sense, be kind to people and animals, listen to good music, read classic, informative books, practice moderation in all matters, establish a strong work ethic, and therefore become self reliant in life – “money was never an object of desire” – the Campbells had everything they needed in life on the farm in Glenora – living close to nature, they revered the great elm tree on the flat, which their great-great-grandfather, pioneer John Campbell (Iain MacDhomhnuill Mhoir) left standing as a memorial to his arrival, June 21st, 1816, then North East Mabou, also, a testament to his homeland MulRoy in the Braes of Lochaber, Scotland!
John Campbell names the area “Glenora” for the glen behind the Campbell Castle in Scotland, plus the Campbell Mountain “Cruachan” – the gathering place of the Campbells.
Angus Campbell understood quality in Highland music, both bagpipes and violin – that is music played with proper bowing, pitch, gracing, expression, etc. – take no shortcuts! He often recalled a parish picnic he attended in Judique, 1949 – “Dominion Day.” Dan J. Campbell and Angus Allan Gillis were the featured violinists – Alex Angus MacIsaac step-danced on the dancers outdoor stage. Angus said MacIsaac caught his eye and attention – that is his great form, close to the floor footwork, while stepping to the tunes in perfect harmony – MacIsaac also did the “Stepping introduction” before he began! Gallic was the language spoken on the grounds, while Angus participated in the Highland events.
Christmas at the Campbell home was a joyous, religious event – midnight Mass at St. Mary’s, Mabou, everyone dressed “tip top.” We usually took the bobsled with the double team of horses, prancing and anxious to go, bells ringing, snowballs flying – the back bells had a special ring – come home to Glenora to enjoy a feast of food and music!
Angus selected and cut down the Christmas tree from the Campbell Mountain for over 80 years – it had to have the “right twirl” on the top, so the star pointed to the Heavens! The animals were also groomed and fed a feast, for they were treated like extended family – horses, cows, sheep, and dogs! The six a.m. alarm clock was the family rooster – a white leghorn – Angus won first prize with him at the Mabou Exhibition. The pet lambs would come upstairs and coax us down for their morning milk. Angus brought up great dogs, especially Rex, Prince, and Duchess (Irish setters), one great horse was King – s standard bred road horse who also placed first at the Mabou Exhibition. A special cow was Queen, a belted ragapple holstein, who also placed first. Our Highland breed sheep spent the summers on Cape Mabou, with Angus the chief shepherd! Our swing was a great tree on top of the mountain we named the “Windy Day Tree.”
Berry picking on Cape Mabou, Sunday afternoon was an adventure. The berries were served to guests with thick cream from the creamer in the well, homemade curds cheese, and bonnach were a special treat!
The Campbell family staged their own winter “Olympics” – coasting, boarding, skiing from the high mountain to the schoolhouse. Angus had a fast board and sleigh.
Dan J. Campbell encouraged his children to travel and socialize with people from different backgrounds – for the chickens always come home to the “roost”! A tree was planted for every child born in Glenora. Angus Campbell possessed a strong work ethic. He was employed by the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation, often called upon at 5:00 a.m. to come out and sand the ice-covered roads, while the rest of the work crew were asleep in bed!
Angus was often called upon to provide “free” labour for the community – he could do the labour of three men – strong and fit, he was a great weightlifter, running high jump, and “Lazy Stick” were regular feats. Angus was an avid NHL Hockey fan, especially his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs – he had to tolerate rabid Montreal Canadien fans amongst the Campbell family! Angus Campbell was proud of his “Highland heritage” – the Campbells, MacDonalds (Miramichi-Cranachan), Mull River, NS, MacLellans (ArdRigh-Kings), Deepdale, NS, MacInnis Clan (West Lake and Mabou Ridge), and extended relatives.
Angus Campbell leaves behind to honour his legacy, his sister Mary, nieces, nephews (grand and great), cousins, and friends world wide. Professor David Clement, School of Scottish Studies, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, labelled Angus Campbell the “Walking Encyclopedia” after spending a day with him on the Campbell farm! Robert Chisholm Dubois (neighbour) often said he learned more about history and life in general having tea with Dan J. Campbell and Angus Campbell at their home in Glenora – much more than he learned at Harvard University, USA!
Angus Campbell, a legend in his own time, has gone to “Tir Nan Og” to join his departed Campbells, beyond the elusive, mysterious, “mist over Cape Mabou.”
May we quote Iain MacDhomhnuill Mhoir, “We are of the race of Campbell from Diarmid, may the chicken never be hatched – that will scratch on our graves. – Cruachan!
A funeral for Angus John Campbell will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Mabou, NS, on September 5th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow the mass at the Mabou Hall with a private burial at the old St. Mary’s burial ground following mass at the Campbell plot. A dress code will be in effect and there is to be no unauthorized video or cell-phone coverage.
MACLEAN
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, Sadie (MacDonald) MacLean, 92, on Monday, August 10th, 2026, with her family by her side, in the Victoria County Memorial Hospital, Baddeck, NS. Born in North River, Victoria County, on June 22nd, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Margaret “Maggie” (Morrison) MacDonald. She was the last remaining member of her immediate family. She was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church and a member of The Baddeck Valley Community Club, serving many lunches in the hall over the years with her friend Barb Garland. She was a generous, kind, and loving mother, grammie and great-grammie, who always enjoyed visits from grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbours, and friends! She went with her friend Marcella to Ohio in 1955 to work, returning home to marry our dad in 1956. She then worked for Charlie and Harriet MacCurdy as a caregiver and a domestic worker, then working at Alderwood Rest home in kitchen and laundry for 29 years, retiring in 2001. Sadie is survived by her daughter Judy Keigan, Big Baddeck, son Jonathan (Dorothy), Big Baddeck, and their daughter Kristen (George), Fort McMurray, daughter-in-law Heather MacLean, Baddeck, and her children Lyndsay (Joe) Ramia, Kyla (Nick) MacNeil, Kenzie (Andrea), special niece Margie MacLeod, and her daughter Joyce MacAskill, special nephew Dave “Jed” (Carmel) Miller, New Waterford, great grandchildren William, Evan, Owen, Gus, Oakley, and Ryder. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins far and wide! Sadie was predeceased by her husband Murdock Joseph in 2016, son Charles, sisters Mae Montgomery, Christene Nicholson, Jessie MacDonald, Katherine “Kitty” Montgomery, brothers Kenny, Johnny, Roddie, special nephew John.C and grandniece Cassandra. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Sydney Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will be held on Friday August 28th, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in Knox Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Brian MacLeod officiating. Interment in St. Andrews Cemetery, Baddeck Forks Cemetary. Followed by a reception at The Baddeck Valley Community Hall. A special thank you to Dr. Morrison for her kindness and compassion to Mom and her “uplifting” support and guidance to us! To all the continuing care nurses and the home care workers, we are forever grateful for without you all, mom would not have been able to stay in her home, thank you! Thank you to the doctors, nurses, and all staff of The Inverness Consolidated Hospital and Victoria County Memorial Hospital, Baddeck. A special thank to Dr. Chow for all his years of dedicated care. Thanks to Dr. Genge, Dr. Tribo, Dr. Heughan, and Dr. Elena Garcia for their care and compassion over the last number of years ! Also thanks to Dr. De Clemente for being with us in her final moments! A very special thanks to Dr. Ritter for his “special visit” and Paulette for their comfort and compassion! In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hospice Society of Victoria County, Knox Presbyterian Church, or charity of choice. Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.com.
RANKIN
Ann Marie (MacNeil) Rankin, July 3rd, 1955 – August 21st, 2026: Today we mourn the passing of Ann Marie, a kind and gentle soul. She was a devoted mother, nana, daughter, sister; and a treasured friend, neighbor, and co-worker to so many she met throughout her life. All who knew her will remember her caring and loving ways. Ann Marie started her life with a big advantage: she was born into the welcoming and loving hands and arms of Annie Belle (MacDonald) and John Alex, and their growing family. Ann Marie was the fourth oldest and, ultimately, their only girl. She was nurtured on a hillside farm in Blackstone with her nine brothers. Ann Marie quickly became a mother-in-training. She graduated from grade 11 (just turning 16) and made her way to Boston to work as a nanny for the summer. She graduated from the Eastern Institute of Technology in 1973 with a Secretarial Diploma. Ann Marie was dedicated to her work in Halifax, demonstrating a strong work ethic, paying off bills, helping her parents where she could, and buying her own car. Soon after, in 1977, Ann Marie was talked into marriage by John Archie. From there they moved to work in Mexico City, Calgary (where they welcomed their first born), and Edmonton. They returned to Dartmouth in 1980 and expanded their family with twin boys and another girl (something which Ann Marie was determined to accomplish). She was forever thankful that she was able to be at home with the kids while they were growing; nothing like meals at noon, and a hug to send them off again. They went to Newfoundland, in 1991, for 18 memorable years, relocating in 2009 to the cherished home on the hill in Dartmouth where they have since resided. Through this period of her life, Ann Marie was an obliging caregiver to both her parents. This meant the world to them. She considered herself blessed with her life: blessed with the many things she was given; blessed that she had plenty of opportunities to pass on her love; and blessed with the many people who shared their love with her along the way. Indeed, all of us who witnessed her love are blessed to have shared a part of their life with Ann Marie. Ann Marie is survived by her husband of 49 years, John Archie, her four children: Stephanie (Shawn) and Ewan, Declan; Matthew (Joanne) and Isabel; Michael (Adrianna) and Cole; Allison (Mike) and Dirk, Roelie and Henk. The seven grandchildren were precious to Ann Marie, and she was overjoyed to take an active part at their births. Three of the grandchildren even had Nana look after them – something she did three days a week the last number of years, even to the last week before she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Ann Marie is also survived by her precious brothers (who cherished her, they even called her their favourite sister): Dougald, Dan (Jan), James (Shirley), Bernie (Ethel), Francis (Elaine), Alex (Peggy), Phonsie (Sheila), and Angus (Annajayne). She was predeceased by her mother and father, her brother Blaise, and sister-in-law Wendy. Also surviving are 19 MacNeil nieces and nephews who were proud to have Ann Marie as their cherished aunt. Ann Marie had 24 Rankin in-laws, who had a special place for Ann Marie in their hearts. She was predeceased by two of them: Maureen and Donald Leo. On the Rankin side were another 44 nieces and nephews that were very fond of Ann Marie. Also, there are many, many cousins who she dearly loved. Ann Marie would want us to take this opportunity to acknowledge her best friend and honourary sister, Cecilia, for all the love and laughs along the way. In addition, she was grateful for her neighbours and friends, Bev and Dorothy in Cole Harbour, and Patsy in Newfoundland. The funeral mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Brook Village at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 28th. A celebration of life will follow in the Parish Hall from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. A private burial will take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Mary’s Cemetery, West Lake Ainslie, or to a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Sunset Funeral Co-op, Margaree Valley. Online condolences: www.sunsetfuneralco-op.com.
Anam ciùin | A Gentle Soul