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 elder brother to Eric (Rosie), Matt (Heather), Roger (Jennie), and Sandy (Rick). Predeceased by their eldest 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 Molloy, a registered nurse, and in 1973 were married. 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 Hillsborough, 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.
BOURGEOIS
Michael Bourgeois, age 71, of the Foyer Père Fiset, Cheticamp passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27th, 2026. Michael was a son of the late Eugène and the late Annie Mae (Basker-MacLellan) Bourgeois. Michael was unable to work due to a disability. He stayed in the family home with his siblings until his parents passed away. He then moved to downtown Cheticamp, where he lived until he became a resident of the Foyer Père Fiset. He loved it there and was loved by all. Michael is survived by his brothers, Emmanuel, Alex John, Jean Phillipe, and Harold; and his sisters, Marie Stella, Stella, Florence (Joe), Bertha Mae (Harvey), Marie Thérèse, and Debbie (Allan); and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Michael was predeceased by his sisters, Shirley, and Thérèse (infancy). Visitation will be held on Monday, August 31st, 2026, in the Cheticamp Funeral Home from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 1st, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Church, Cheticamp with Father Daniel Gustave officiating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Memorial donations may be made the Foyer Père Fiset Recreation Department. Condolences may be sent to: www.cheticampfuneralservices.ca.
CAMPBELL
Maighread Chaimbeul (1939-2022): Margaret Campbell, the jewel in the crown of the Clan Campbell, was the essence of understated elegance; comfortable with people from all walks of life, from all areas of the world!
On September 5th, 1939, Dan J. Campbell, featured violinist at Labour Day Picnic Southwest Margaree, Inverness County, NS, returned to his home in Glenora, to welcome a new baby girl, who just entered the world! Margaret grew up to be kind, reliable, generous, considerate, and extremely musical – singing her father, Dan J. Campbell’s tunes (canntaireachd) at an early age. Margaret acquired a highly individual style of chording to the music of Dan J. Campbell, John, and Donald Campbell – possessing a keen ear – never too loud, never ahead, never behind, paying close attention to the particular tunes being played – she hummed the tunes to herself – John Campbell often said “she anticipated his every move” – a strict focus on the tunes being played – no discords! She knew how to chord to tradition (canntaireachd) on standard piano, while her father, Dan J. Campbell played the tunes with its distinctive tuning.
Margaret often recalled a music session at the Canadian-American Club in Watertown, Mass., U.S.A. – John Campbell was featured violinist, playing difficult hornpipes in B-flat. Seated beside him was Angus Chisholm and Bill Lamey. Angus Chisholm shouted, “Atta boy, John, you put the music up a ‘higher notch’ tonight and your audience knows it!” Margaret Campbell was the piano accompanist and “up went her fist!”
The longest relationship in life is with your siblings – a life shared with deep and emotional tidings – Margaret often quoted her sister Anne, who said “our music took us through the dark times.”
Margaret and her siblings loved coming home to Glenora, especially at Christmas time – Margaret and her sister Catherine often said “they received a ‘Highland greeting’ from the animals at home, before they even entered the house!”
Margaret, a registered L.P.N., rendered meticulous care to her patients, whom she treated as extended family. Margaret was an avid football and hockey fan – the New England Patriots and the Montreal Canadiens. Guy LaFleur and Tom Brady were her heroes! Margaret always attended the Harvard/Yale football games and hiked the Campbell Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.A., to honour her uncle Aljutant William Campbell (six times removed).
Margaret – sophisticated, classy, musical, was a regular at symphony halls, museums, polo matches, and horse shows throughout the greater Boston, Mass., U.S.A. area.
“The Angel of Death” struck unexpectedly to the Campbells of Glenora – that is losing Margaret – may we quote the old Gaelic proverb – “Se deireadh, gach, cogaidh sith.”| “The end of each strife is peace.” “Truagh nach robh thu seo”!
A memorial mass will be celebrated for Margaret and Angus Campbell in Florence, Italy, on September 5th, 2026, with celebrant Father Kramer Cameron of Northeast Mabou, Nova Scotia. As per request, a private committal service will be celebrated for Margaret Campbell on her birthday, September 5th, 2026, at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Mabou, Nova Scotia (at the Campbell burial plot).
“The morning thrush is still singing his tune for you here in Glenora!” May we quote Ian Campbell, 12th Duke of Argyll, “Once a Campbell, always a Campbell!”
MACKINNON
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of George Kenneth MacKinnon, aged 81, on August 15th, 2026. George was born in Halifax, on September 30th, 1944. He was predeceased by his parents, Martha and Kenneth MacKinnon, and his sister, Catherine “Ta” Campbell. George grew up in Whycocomagh and went to school in Mabou, Cape Breton Island. George and his wife, Diane, moved to Lower Sackville where they started their own company, MacKinnon’s Appliances and Refrigeration Service, and successfully operated the business for over 40 years. George created a beautiful family with Diane, raising three daughters: Pamela, Tricia, and Kimberly. With his girls being his love and life, George also had another love, sports. George was a season ticket holder for the Halifax Mooseheads for 32 years and rarely did he ever miss a game. George was a fan of the Colorado Avalanche and Toronto Blue Jays. George treasured his time in Cape Breton where many of his fondest memories were made, including swimming in the ocean, going for drives, having picnics, barbecues and campfires, and relaxing in the yard, particularly at the home he grew up in Whycocomagh. Above all, George was the proud patriarch of his family. With three daughters and seven granddaughters, his greatest joy came from the love he shared with them and the legacy he leaves behind. George is lovingly remembered by his wife and life companion, Diane, whom he cherished deeply; his daughters, Pam (Glen) Campbell, Tricia MacKinnon, and Kim (Paul) Grant, who meant the world to him; and his seven beloved granddaughters, Riley (Bryce), Emma (Colby), Abby (Matt), Ellie, Callie, Ava, and Claire. George will also be lovingly remembered by his many cousins, nieces, and nephews. George had a unique gift for making everyone feel seen and heard and making moments special by appreciating the small things. George always made the time to chat with whomever crossed his path, and always took an interest in people around him. His kindness, positivity, and warmth touched so many people. He set a quiet but powerful example, and his family hopes to carry forward the same compassion and warmth that defined his life. Donations can be made to the Stewartdale Cemetery Fund. Burial arrangements will be made at a later date.
MACLEAN
Jennie Marie MacLean, 78, of Scotsville, Inverness County, passed away on August 25th, 2026, in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. Born on May 12th, 1948, she was the daughter of the late John “Jack Lewis” and Mary (MacIsaac) MacLean of North Lake Ainslie. Jennie loved anything that involved the outdoors and animals. She was forever nurturing animals whether they were pets or wild animals that visited around her home. Jennie was known for her small stature and her hard work ethic. She retired after 30 years of working at the Strathlorne Tree Nursery. She is survived by her longtime companion, Wayne Gillis; sister, Isabelle Burton (Gananoque, ON); sisters-in-law, Karen (Strathlorne) and Marie (Kenloch); nieces and nephews, Cindy, Leo, and Richard Burton (Ontario), Bridget MacLean (Maine), Nelson (Kenloch), and Dawn Marie MacLean (Port Hastings). Jennie also leaves to mourn many extended family and friends, especially Barbara Campbell, Nancy and Blair MacLean. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her brothers, Donnie and Russell MacLean, infant sister, Florence; and her brother-in-law, Russ Burton. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff of both The Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital and the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. There will be no visitation per Jennie’s request. Funeral service was held on Monday, August 31st at 11:00 a.m. in St. John’s United Church, Strathlorne, with Rev. Karen MacNeil officiating. Interment to follow in St. John’s Cemetery. A light lunch will also follow at the fire hall in Scotsville. Online condolences may be made to: invernessfuneralhome.com.