FORTUNE
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of John Robert (Bob) Fortune, 86, of NE Margaree, surrounded by his loving family on September 24th, 2026, in the Inverary Manor. Bob was the son of the late Moses Peter Fortune and Sussie Timmons-Fortune of NE Margaree. Bob’s mother passed away during the birth of Bob’s youngest sibling in 1953 and in 1960, Bob’s Dad passed away. In 1961, Bob married Margaret Rose Arsenault. After the passing of his parents, Bob and Margaret Rose became parents to Bob’s five younger siblings. Needing to help support his new, instant family, Bob found work with Roger Burton at his lumber yard. He then went on to work for Johnny Tompkins, then to Highland Pulp where he drove a truck for 38 years. He then went to B.A. Fraser for the next 12 years. Bob and Margaret Rose lived in N.E. Margaree their whole life, except the two years they lived out West and Bob worked hauling logs to Slave Lake, Alberta. Bob finally retired from driving trucks at the age of 70. After retiring, Bob enjoyed all his extra time with his family, especially his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bob loved family card games, especially crib, word search puzzles, going for drives, and attending mass every week without missing a day. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Margaret Rose Fortune; his children Mose (Betty), Susan (Ricky), Bobby (Laura), Keith (Wanda), Sharon (Finley), Darnell, Glen and Blaise (Robyn); his 23 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; siblings Mary (Lawrence) Burton, Sadie (Clarence) Stockley, Sheila (Emerson) Fortune, Walter (Florence) Fortune and Donald (Claudia) Fortune also many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his parents Moses and Sussie, his siblings Theresa Flemming and Martha Kirkness. Bob leaves behind a lifetime of memories and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends. The family would like to send a very special thanks to the staff of the Inverary Manor, Dr. Ritter, Dr. Lok, and Dr. Binnersley, for the exceptional care he received during his time under their care. A special thank you to his daughter Sharon (Finley) Hart for moving in with Bob and taking care of him for two years before he moved to the Inverary Manor. Visitation took place Tuesday September 29th, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall from 4:00-9:00 p.m. The funeral took place on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Parish at 11:00 a.m. with Father David Rankin officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory of may be made to the Margaree Food Security Society or the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to the sunsetfuneralco-op.com.
GAUDET
“Marie” Marguerite Gaudet, age 85 of Foyer Père Fiset, Cheticamp passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026. Marie was the daughter of the late Joseph and the late Virginie (Poirier) Deveau. Marie is survived by her sons, Bruno (Lise), and William; grandchildren, Jason (Kelly), and April; and great grandchildren, Brayden, Liam, Hunter, Jake, Fynn, Ethan, and Brock. Besides her parents, Marie was predeceased by her husband, Réné; her daughter, Lynn; and son-in-law, Wesley; her brothers, Alphonse, and Albert; and granddaughter, Megan (Jamie – deceased). A private graveside service and burial was held on Wednesday, September 30th, 2026, in St. Peter’s Cemetery, Cheticamp. Memorial donations may be made in Marie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Society, Foyer Père Fiset or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Cheticamp Funeral Services Ltd. Condolences may be made to: www.cheticampfuneralservices.ca.
MacAULAY
Margaret Johanna (MacKinnon) MacAulay, 96, of Kenloch, passed away on September 21st, 2026, in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. Margaret was born on November 26th, 1929, to the late John Murdock and Marion A. (MacKay) MacKinnon. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Lee MacAulay, and many nieces and nephews. Margaret was predeceased by her husband, Allan John MacAulay; son, Allan John MacAulay Jr.; sister, Mary C. (Joseph) Delaney; Watertown, Mass., brothers, Murdock Neil (Betsy) MacKinnon, Kenloch, and Ainslie Hugh (Anne) Moore, Kentville. Margaret grew up in a time when you made time to help a friend or neighbor, and your door was aways open. She was a lady who could do almost anything she put her mind to (except knitting) and do it well. She loved gardening and the outdoors and was very proud to be known for her “green” thumb. She especially enjoyed sitting, chatting, and laughing with friends and family over a cup of tea. “Cha chaochail a chuimhne.” A special thank you to the home care support for all your help and care throughout the years, as well as the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital staff. Visitation will be held in Inverness Funeral Home on Thursday, October 1st, 2026, from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral Service to take place in Lake Ainslie Presbyterian Church, East Lake Ainslie on Friday, October 2nd, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Burial to follow in the East Lake Ainslie Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com.
MacPHERSON
Ralph Roderick MacPherson, 1934-2026: It is with great love that we, the family of Ralph R. MacPherson of Margaree Valley, announce his passing on September 24th, 2026. Ralph was born in 1934 and for 92 years he called Margaree Valley home. He owned and operated several businesses from his home office in Margaree Valley and he and his wife Lena ran a fourth-generation general store until his 87th year, closing the store in 2021. Ralph was a lifelong member of the Margaree Valley Baptist Church. Throughout his life he professed his faith by how he lived and cared for others. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lena (Fraser) MacPherson, his children Darlene (Richard) Pederson, Natalie MacPherson, Marilyn (Leland) Murphy, Ralph O. (Jennifer) MacPherson, his sister Sherry MacPherson, and son-in-law, Jack Graham. Eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren called him “Grandpa.” He loved them dearly and each one always brought a smile to his face. Grandchildren – Tia Pederson, Hannah Graham (Gabe Rose), John Graham (Alexa Normore), Kira Pederson, Lena Murphy (Jonathan Campbell), Danaan Pederson, MacKenzie Graham, Leland Murphy (Jaclyn Bishop), Jesse Murphy, Rory MacPherson, and Claire MacPherson. Ralph was predeceased by his parents Osgood and Anne (MacKenzie) MacPherson, his infant son Ralph Fraser, his daughter Norma MacPherson Graham, and son-in-law Leland Murphy. The service was held in the Margaree Valley Baptist Church on September 28th, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. A reception followed in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ralph to: Margaree Valley Baptist Church, Highlands Villa (Inverary Manor) or a charity of your choice. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the exceptional care provided by the staff of Highlands Villa in the Inverary Manor. “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1,2.