John Frances MacLean

May 23, 1948 – June 26, 2011

We the family of John Frances MacLean, 63, of Sydney Mines are saddened with the sudden loss of our beloved father. He was born May 23, 1948 in Alder Point, the son of the late John Henry and Frances Eugenia MacLean of Point Aconi. He was a member of Wilson United Church in Florence. In John’s early years he sailed on the Great Lakes for a number of years. He was also a journeyman’s carpenter and belonged to the carpenters union. Later in life he formed his own business J. M. Carpentry where he renovated and built many homes here on Cape Breton Island with his two beloved sons, Randy and Kevin. He took an early retirement due to health issues and spent all his time with his family, especially his grandchildren whom he loved dearly. John was a dedicated Montreal Canadiens fan as well as an avid Nascar racing fan. He enjoyed reading in his spare time. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Margaret (Ferguson) MacLean; daughter, Wendy (James); sons, Randy (Shawna) and Kevin; grandchildren, Natasha, Julianna, Marrissa, John Ryan; brothers and sisters, Brenda (Dana), Donna (Darrell), Dorothy (Suen), Neil (Roxanne), Valerie (Kevin), Norma (Bobby), Raymond (Sharon), Barbara (Kevin), Nancy (Dougie), Ronnie (William), Mary (Guy), Connie (Donald) and Teddy (Sharon) and many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by an infant granddaughter, Maggie Lee; sisters in infancy, Cora Grace and Mildred Louise and brother, Sandy. Our family would like to express a very special thank you to Dr. Paul Hickey who showed compassionate care for our father during the last few months of his time here with us and the nurses in the Northside General Hospital and VON who provided our father with exceptional care. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 29 in Fillmore and Whitman Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. Funeral Service 2 p.m. Thursday, June 30 in Wilson United Church, Florence. Rev. David Luker will officiate.