We the family of Angus MacKillop are saddened on the passing of our father, grandfather just one month shy of his 99th birthday. He passed away peacefully at the veterans wing at Harbour View Hospital in Sydney Mines N.S. Born in Glace Bay on January 6 1926, he was the son of James and Mary Belle MacKillop. At a early age, he was working at the coal mine in Glace Bay not underground but in the pay room making the money deposit for the employees. He then attended St. Xavier University in Antigonish where he graduated with a teaching degree. During the early 1950's, he made many a trip hitchhiking from Glace Bay to Antigonish during his time at university. He had a strong interest in acting and did several plays with the local acting school after graduation in Antigonish. He started his long career in the Sydney School Board first as a teacher, then as a principal of various schools. In addition, he was Superintendent of Sydney schools for many years. He was a strong advocate for students and teachers alike maintaining and promoting the importance of education regardless of one's circumstances. He was instrumental via union representation, in bringing forth and securing policies such as specific paid vacation, which to this day remain in place to enable teachers to have fair treatment within a system. After 32 years in education, Angus retired and moved permanently to Grand River Falls where he continued to enjoy many more years as an avid hunter and fisherman.
He was predeceased by his siblings Johnny, Margaret, Roderick, William, James and Christina. He is also predeceased by June MacKillop (MacLeod) with whom he had four children and is survived by; Kate MacKillop (Bruce Hopkin) of North Carolina, Kevin MacKillop (Kate Garrett-MacKillop) of Dartmouth along with grandchildren Rebecca and Jessica, Keith MacKillop (Eileen MacKillop) of Grand River Falls and Allyson Higgins of Kentville along with grandchildren Eric, Bruce and Darren.
Funeral will take place at Patten's Funeral Home in Glace Bay on Friday, June 6 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, a donations can be made to Hope for Wildlife in Angus's name.
Online condolences may be sent to www.pattenfuneral.com
The family would like to express deep appreciation to the staff and residents of the Veteran's Wing of Harbour View Hospital in Sydney Mines, NS.
