Harvey MacEachern

83 - Sydney

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of a great husband, father, uncle and grandfather. Harvey passed away on February 20, 2014 at St. Vincent's Nursing home in Halifax at the age of 83 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Harvey was married to Clare Gillis (nee) for 53 years. They brought up their four daughters in Sydney. Their oldest daughter Margaret Jean passed away in 2008 leaving a tremendous void in their family.

Harvey was the son of Mary F. (MacDonald) and James R. MacEachern. He was the youngest of twelve and a proud member of the Whitney Pier Community growing up.

A graduate of Sydney Academy, Harvey went on to complete his Bachelor of Arts (1953) and Bachelor of Education (1955) degrees. After a brief career in teaching Harvey worked with the Dept. of Social Services. He went on to get his Masters of Social work from Carleton University in 1963 continuing to work in social work. He was manager of Canada Pension in Sydney for over twenty years until his retirement. Harvey served on the Provincial Health Council and the Family Service and Talbot house boards.

Harvey's passion was family. Along with his wife Clare, he leaves behind his daughter Shauna (Larry Babineau), children Maria and Nolan; Elizabeth (Neil Ferguson), children Jonathan and Hillary; Lora (Chris Daly), children Alexandra, Bridget and Daniel. He was predeceased by his daughter Margaret Jean (Mike Curran), children Ryan, Sean and Colleen.

Harvey was also close with many of his nieces and nephews especially Lauren Furdas, Linda Simmonds ,Margaret Claire Scriven(predeceased) Brenda Wickstrom(predeceased)Michael MacEachern, Ronnie MacEachern and Mary Ellen MacEachern and many more nieces and nephews who always had a soft spot for "Uncle Harv".

A person of tremendous integrity, Harvey treated all people he met with dignity and respect. A very friendly and people oriented person, he showed a genuine interest in each and everyone he met. He will be remembered for his knowledge and his ability to discuss important topics of the day. He was also a regular at Coxheath Arena where he loved to skate.

His family would also like to extend a deep thanks to and all of the wonderful staff at St. Vincent's Nursing Home in Halifax. Your compassion and caring will not be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Nova Scotia. A funeral is planned for March at Holy Redeemer Church Sydney which will be announced at a further date. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel.