Gary was born in Inverness to J.D. (John Dan) & Nellie MacInnis on September 3, 1945. Gary is survived by his partner, Elaine MacLean; daughter, Carrie Lee (Jason Griffiths); and his grandchildren, Gary, Catherine Dawn and Michael; his friend and mother of his girls, Marie MacInnis; brothers, Aldan (Janet) and Terry (Cecilia) and several nieces and nephews. Gary was predeceased by his daughter, Erin Dawn and his parents.
Gary owned and operated MacInnis’ Service Centre in Inverness for 52 years, he was a kind, generous and trusted businessman, with a strong work ethic. Gary was a member of the Inverness Kinsman Club and the Inverness Volunteer Fire Department for more than 30 years. He loved serving the community, both local friends and strangers passing through, he loved to share a good story or a funny joke, whether it be at the garage, plowing snow, or hauling fishing boats all over Cape Breton Island, people meant a lot to him. He was someone you could count on, it didn’t matter if you locked your keys in your car, had a flat tire, ran out of gas, or were stuck in a ditch, he would be there to help, any time of day.
Gary’s family meant the world to him, being a Grandpa to Gary, Catherine and Michael is where he was at his best. He loved a good game of Cribbage, and his favorite days of the year were when his grandchildren visited from Calgary and were able to beat him in Crib (after he taught them how to win)!
Gary and his family were forever changed by Erin Dawn’s death in 1995, the support of the community of Inverness was never lost on him. Dad and Erin are together again, which helps ease our sorrow.
Gary showed us all kindness, humbleness, generosity, and support, we are so very lucky to have had him in our lives, and we will continue to love and miss him as we remember him every day.
We are thankful for the care Gary received at Cape Breton Regional Hospital from the ICU nursing staff and Drs. Wong, Hebb & Maharaj. We are also grateful for the care he received over the years at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital.
Visitation will take place in Inverness Funeral Home on Sunday, December 5th from 2 - 6 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in St. John’s United Church, Strathlorne, on Monday, December 6th at 11 a.m. Burial in East Lake Ainslie Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to East Lake Ainslie Cemetery Fund.
Please note in keeping with COVID-19 Public Health Act requirements, all attending will be required to wear a mask and show photo ID and proof of vaccination before entering.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
