MacINNIS
Angus Francis “Frank” MacInnis – father, husband, uncle, brother, horseman, athlete, prankster, educator, coach, volunteer, lover of politics and music, and steadfast friend – passed away peacefully on March 6th, 2026, surrounded by family. Born to Angus and Cassie (MacMaster) MacInnis, Frank was the eldest of five children. He grew up on Philpott Street in Port Hawkesbury, in a home always filled with music, laughter, and the spirited clatter of card games among family and friends. In 1964, Frank enrolled at St. Francis Xavier University, earning a B.A., B.Ed., and an M.A. in Administration – and, perhaps most proudly, his X Ring. If you wore one, he noticed, and you could expect a conversation. In 1972, fate intervened when a young nurse he had been courting – without much success – passed through Port Hawkesbury during a blood drive. Frank proposed. After careful consideration, Mary Ross agreed, and they were married on August 18th, 1972, in Arisaig, Nova Scotia. From that day forward, Mary was his foundation. They settled in Creignish, where the community embraced them, and together they helped build a village any child would be fortunate to grow up in. Frank began his teaching career as principal of Port Hastings Elementary School. After a year of teaching in Grand Prairie, Alberta, he returned to Nova Scotia to join the staff at the Canso Regional Vocational School. His career culminated with his leadership as principal of the Nova Scotia Community College, where he profoundly influenced the lives of countless students and colleagues. An athlete throughout his life, Frank competed in his youth with the Antigonish Highland Society Track Team and later as a cross-country skier with both the Nova Scotia Canada Games Team and the St. F.X. team. Over the years he coached numerous baseball, softball, and basketball teams. He was a lifelong sports advocate, from his early days being involved with the Strait Pirates to many years involved in minor hockey and baseball. There was always a project needing funding, a barn to be built or uniforms to buy and he was always there to help. He travelled to rinks and fields throughout the Maritimes with his children and later grandchildren and rarely missed a game. In 2023, he was inducted into the Port Hawkesbury Sports Wall of Fame – a recognition that meant a great deal to him. A true horseman at heart, Frank found immense joy in harness racing. He immersed himself in every aspect of the sport – horse owner, trainer, driver, breeder, and shared ownership in both Tartan Downs and Truro Raceway. He also served on the Nova Scotia Horse Racing Commission. He took great pride in the many notable horses he owned and never missed a chance to pull out old race tapes for anyone willing to watch. Frank also cherished the camaraderie of card games and was a familiar – and formidable – presence at local 45s and cribbage gatherings. A multiple-time Inverness County Champion, he played each hand with uncanny foresight, much to the exasperation of his opponents. A lifelong member of the Progressive Conservative Party, Frank dedicated himself to local, provincial, and federal campaigns. It wasn’t unusual to find a PC candidate stopping by for advice or being chauffeured with Frank along the back roads of the county. He was a friend to MLAs, MPs, premiers, and prime ministers. Frank served on many boards and committees over the years and fought with a quiet and relentless passion for economic development for Cape Breton. Frank took pride in his Cape Breton Celtic heritage, especially the Gaelic traditions, music, song and storytelling. In some respects, the world began and ended at the Canso Causeway. When The Vanishing Cape Breton Fiddler documentary aired in 1971, he was among those who helped reinvigorate the revival of Cape Breton’s musical traditions. His leadership played a key role in the creation of the Glendale Fiddle Festivals of the 1970s and the Cape Breton Fiddlers Association – cornerstones of the global recognition Cape Breton fiddlers enjoy today. Frank never met a stranger. Whether you were a hitchhiker, a traveler, or simply someone with a good table at a pub, he would strike up a conversation. Before long – as is in the East Coast tradition – he could quickly ascertain who your “people” were. And, often this led to extra plates and chairs seated at the kitchen table. A natural historian, he had a keen sense and respect for war veterans, farmers, fishermen, miners, and the old “salts” for their humour and memories of life. Frank is survived by his wife Mary, and his six children: Neil (Jacalyn) and grandchildren Liam, Rory and Phoebe; Ross (Maude) and grandchildren Theo, Rebecca, Maelle, Sarah, and Cassie; Allan (Lenore) and grandchildren Owen and Leia; Margaret (Dan) and grandchildren Aidan, Declan, and Alasdair; Donnie (Shannon); Lisa (Bert) and grandchildren Lauren and Daniel. Frank lived life to the fullest and taught others to do the same. His influence will resonate for generations. He will be deeply missed. Mar sin leibh an-dràsta, Frank. Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12th, in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Funeral mass will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday at Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, Creignish, with Father Barrett-Claire Johnston officiating. Burial at a later date in St. Joseph Parish Cemetery, Port Hawkesbury. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com.
WHEELER
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Bater Wheeler, who departed this life peacefully on March 3rd, 2026, at Charlotte County Hospital in New Brunswick. Born on January 7th, 1938, in Rochester, New York, Robert, known fondly to many as Bob, lived a life marked by service, dedication and love. Bob was the son of William and Jennie Wheeler, who instilled in him the values of hard work and integrity that he carried throughout his life. Bob answered a call to serve his country as a nuclear weapons specialist in the United States Air Force. His service was characterized by a commitment to excellence and a steadfast dedication to duty. In 1964, Bob married his soulmate, Janice Garatt, on a beautiful July day. Their union, spanning over six decades, was a testament to enduring love and partnership. Together, they nurtured a family filled with warmth and laughter, raising two wonderful daughters, Lisa and Catherine, who, along with Catherine’s husband, Scott, continue to carry forward Bob’s legacy of kindness and community spirit. As a student at Dalhousie University, Bob was an executive member of the Halifax Student Housing Society which continues to this day. After completing his education, Bob began his career as an educator on Cape Breton Island, where he not only taught but inspired countless young minds. His passion for education was matched by his entrepreneurial spirit as he ventured into the tourism and hospitality industry. He built cottages in Chimney Corner that he and Jan successfully ran for two decades. Bob’s influence extended beyond his own endeavors as he played a vital role on various boards and committees, tirelessly advocating for the growth and development of his community. A pillar of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, Bob served as president of his local chapter and was a dedicated board member. His commitment to community service was further evidenced through his work as a trustee of Calvin United Church in Margaree Harbour and as a board member of the Margaree Harbour Authority. As president of the Margaree Tourism Association and a committee member of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia, Bob championed the beauty and potential of his beloved region. His active membership with the Masonic Lodge and his participation in musical groups such as Le Choeur du Havre and the Inverness County Singers reflected his diverse interests. Bob’s personal interests were as rich and varied as his professional life. He was a talented carpenter, a dedicated runner, a passionate kayaker and an avid birder. His love for weaving and photography allowed him to express his creative side, while his enthusiasm for genealogy connected him with his roots. As a nationally rated volleyball coach, Bob’s teams regularly triumphed in provincial championships. His mentorship extended beyond his players as he conducted clinics and coached the Winter Games and the Canadian Coast Guard teams, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Though his jokes were known to be terrible, Bob’s ability to laugh at himself and to bring joy to those around him was unmatched. He set high standards for himself and inspired others to do the same, always striving for excellence in all his endeavors. In these final moments, Bob and his family were comforted by the compassionate care provided by the Extra Mural nurses and the palliative care team at Charlotte County Hospital, whose dedication and kindness will forever be remembered. As we say goodbye to a remarkable man, we hold in our hearts the enduring impact of his life well-lived. Robert Bater Wheeler will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him. In celebrating his life, we find solace in the legacy of love, laughter and service he leaves behind. In keeping with his wishes, he will be laid to rest at Whale Cove Cemetery, Cape Breton, “the home of my heart.” Online condolences to the family can be made at www.humphreysfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of Humphrey’s Funeral Home, 20 Marks Street, St. Stephen, NB, E3L 2B2 (506-466-3110).