Leo Alexander MacMillan

We wish to announce the peaceful passing of CWO (RSM) Leo Alexander MacMillan on October 28, 2021 at home in Sydney. Leo was predeceased by his parents Mary (Steele) and Kenneth MacMillan. He is survived by his wife Carmel (Hannigan) MacMillan, and his four children Greg (Barbara), Kelly (Richard), Donna (Kevin), and Sherri (Greg). In addition; he is survived by siblings Donnie (Judy), Hannah, Kenneth (Judy) and Cecil, along with many beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Leo was born on April 11,1939 one of 5 children. He grew up skating on Sydney Harbour, catching rides with the milkman, hitchhiking out to East Bay Sandbar to go swimming, and teasing his sister Hannah! As a teen he found the two great loves of his life, his future wife (Carmel Hannigan) and the Canadian Military. He married his sweetheart when he was 20 (she just 19), and joined the 2nd Battalion, Nova Scotia Highlanders (Cape Breton).

He was soon busy with an ever-growing family, work, and military duties. Four children later, settled in a job with Canada Post and rising quickly through the ranks of the Army, he always put his family first. He was the kind of Dad that you could call at 2AM, ask him to come and get you and he would say, ‘I’m already in the car- hold tight”. He was the kind of Dad who stayed up till midnight flooding the backyard rink even though he had to work at 6AM the next day. That’s the kind of Dad he was and that’s how he earned his nickname - Papa Smurf.

Leo loved the outdoors and took his family on many, many outdoor adventures and camping trips. Always curious about other cultures and people, one of his favorite travel activities was meeting people from other places and in the process made lifelong friends from all over North America.

He also excelled in his military career. He was honored to be chosen Sergeant Major of the Queen Mother’s Honour Guard during her visit to the International Tattoo. He also travelled to NL for the Trooping of the Colours in the presence of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Locally, he led part of the effort that fought the Great Fire of Main-A-Dieu in 1976.

As his children grew up and flew the nest, he devoted a great deal of his time to the Canadian Cadet Program both locally and in the Yukon, where he said the kids taught him as much as he taught them. He retired with the most senior non-commissioned member (NCM) rank in the Canadian Army - Chief Warrant Officer.

He retired from Canada Post after a long career, and he and his bride moved to their dream house in the country. Both he and Carmie became active members of St, Margaret’s Parish, and spent many happy years keeping horses, gardens, orchards and throwing legendary family parties!

Leo doted on each and every grandchild and great grandchild that came along and Papa Smurf’s name changed to Grandpa or simply DaPa. All of the grand babies were blessed to be loved by a man who dressed up like Santa, gave hundreds of “lawn tactor rides” and laughed with delight when the little ones asked why he had so many “cracks’ in his face.

Leo passed peacefully at home with his wife of 62 years at his side, and surrounded by the love of his family.

Please join us as we celebrate Leo’s amazing life on November 1, 2021. Funeral mass will take place at St. Margaret’s Parish, Grand Mira South at 11:00 AM. Inurnment to follow in the parish cemetery. Refreshments to follow at the Hall. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.

Please note the following COVID Protocols: Masks are mandatory/Proof of Double Vaccination and Photo Id are required.