He is survived by his spouse Joan (Gloster); his children Christine (Dan Hart), Peter (Julie McMullen), Denyse (Rob Robertson), Michelle (Donald Smith), Wendy, Paul (Michelle Fraser) and Paula (Robert Fox), 13 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and countless cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Mackie was predeceased by his parents, Jean Alexia (MacMichael) Sibley and Timothy Archibald Sibley, Meaghers Grant; sisters Muriel Dillman, Meaghers Grant; Jessie Lawlor, Dartmouth; Avis Gilby, Elmsdale; Eunice Bowser, Meaghers Grant; and brothers Melvin Sibley, Meaghers Grant; and Merlin Sibley, Dartmouth.
Born July 8, 1930, Mackie took over the family farm at the tender age of 15 after the death of his father. He went on to a long career with the provincial Department of Highways, where he was known for his road grading and snow plowing skills, as well as his dry sense of humour. He took an early retirement at age 55 but continued to farm beef cattle, butcher and sell freezer beef, and harvest and sell lumber. He was known far and wide for his extra lean hamburger and steaks. He butchered until age 83 and retired from his second career on his own terms.
Until just a few years ago, a weekend stop at Meadowbrook Farm would find Mackie butchering, talking politics, or partaking in a bit of local gossip with anyone in earshot. Many of his children and grandchildren would come by to help cut beef, make hay, or mow the lawn. When work was done for the day, Mackie enjoyed playing Auction 45s (up to three times a week, often with his sister Muriel) in Meaghers Grant, Carroll’s Corner, or further afield along the Eastern Shore. He joked that he bought his new car just to go to card parties and funerals.
Mackie wasn’t fancy; his signature look was overalls (sometimes backwards, often with a pocket full of candy for his grandkids), a plaid shirt (minus a button or two), and rubber boots. He always said he quit school because he was smarter than the teachers. He enjoyed keeping up with news and politics, even though they drove him a bit crazy. If you showed up for a visit during the supper hour news, your only option was to move a stack of newspapers out of the way, sit down, keep quiet, and watch TV with him. After that, Mackie would switch to telling tall tales and pulling legs, especially with his grandkids for an audience.
Animals were always a big part of Mackie’s life, especially draft horses. He traveled extensively with his good friends, the late Elmer Sibley and James “Jimmy” Dickie (the lead characters in many of his best stories), in search of the finest specimens, and might come home with a new Clydesdale or Percheron if the price was right. Just moments before passing away, he had a bit of ice cream and talked about his horses with nursing home staff.
We miss you, Grampy. We miss you, Dad.
Special thanks to the team at Oakwood Terrace Nursing home in Dartmouth, who provided Mackie with exceptional care. Mackie was always the practical sort, and always glad to help a friend or neighbour in need, so in lieu of flowers, his family asks that you consider a donation to a charity of your choice.
Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of J A Snow Funeral Home, Halifax. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be a virtual funeral at 10:00am Friday June 18, 2021; the service can be watched online at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/31599 and the link will also be available on the funeral home website. For the complete obituary and to leave an online condolence please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com
A celebration of life for family and friends to be announced. It will be held when Covid-19 restrictions allow.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18