Joseph "Allie" Aloysius MacKinnon

It’s with shattered hearts that we announce of the peaceful passing of our Dad/Papa, Joseph Aloysius "Allie" MacKinnon on Friday January 9/2026. A resident of the Cove Guest Home, Sydney. He was 90 years young.

Born in Grand Mira South he was the last surviving member of his family. He is predeceased by brothers, Bernard, Lauchie, John and Joe. Sisters, Kay Hiltz, Jean Fitzpatrick, Jesse Wright and Theresa MacNeil. He also is predeceased by his wife Pauline who passed in 2017.

He is survived by his daughter, Marilyn Huntington (Gordon) Marion Bridge, son Barry, Coxheath, grandson Steven Huntington (Dakota Lloyd) Halifax, granddaughter Susan Hunt (Liam) Williamswood and great grandson Sam Gordon Hunt, brother-in-law John Facchin Dominion and sister-in-law Mary MacKinnon Sydney.

He was the owner/operator of Tartan Construction where he serviced many clients in Sydney and the surrounding areas for close to 3 decades. Prior to that he was the manager of Acadian Lines Bus Terminal on Bentinck Street, Sydney and in the early years of his life he was a bus driver for the same company. He played the violin all his life and loved with every fibre of his being the music of our Celtic culture. Many parties took place at our home, with music, laughter, a bite to eat and yes, even a few drinks.

He had one speed, SLOW………..you didn’t want to be driving behind him when he was out for a Sunday drive. He whistled all the time, even into his later years with toes a tapping. He was known for his famous “hungry hill ghost stories” which were told many times over, we all loved them. A huge fan of wrestling, the WWF…….lots of yelling at the TV. Strawberries and cream, his favourite dessert.

A heartfelt thank you to his two nieces, Anne Young and Jane Cordy, who never forgot him. The deepest appreciation to the staff of the Creative Care Unit of the Cove Guest Home. While there he was loved and treated with respect, their compassion and care was truly amazing. They are very special people who have touched our lives in so many ways.

You have waited so long, but now the time has come, you and Mom can take Newman for a drive to get ice cream. Love you Always.

Donations in memory of Dad can be made to Creative Care Unit, The Cove Guest Home or the SPCA Cape Breton Shelter. Cremation has taken place. A private family gathering will be held with inurnment in Resurrection Cemetery. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting twcurry.com.

And so, into the late evening hours when the house was quiet, he would sit in the kitchen in darkness playing his beloved fiddle, the slow airs echoed through the rooms as we slept.