Dr. Leo “Wimpy” Daniel MacCormick, aged 92, of Northside East Bay, passed away peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital surrounded by his children on Saturday, June 18, 2022. There was no greater joy for Leo than to be with his family and share his love, gentle nature and sense of humour.
Our Dad was a Medical Doctor who joined a family practice in the Glace Bay and New Waterford areas and then established a practice in Sydney. His concern for the people of his beloved island inspired him to specialize, and work, in Public Health. Leo served as the Director of the Cape Breton Health Unit and was the Medical Officer of Health for Cape Breton Island. He retired from public service in September 1991, well respected by the medical community and the people of the communities whom he served.
Leo was predeceased by his beloved wife, Betty (Elizabeth) MacIntosh, to whom he was married for 58 years. He is survived by their children, Colleen (Don) Cameron, and their children Andrew and Heather, Fort McMurry, AB; Dr. Shaun, and his children John (Leanne) and Grace (Jordan), with great grandchildren Muriel and Alistair, Baddeck; Sharon (Paul) Gallop, with their children Blair (Terra) and Cynthia (Ted) Upper Leitches Creek; Dr. Brian (Johanna), with their children Mathew (Julia), Sarah, Daniel (Samantha) Catalone; Liam, Sydney; Keith (Cheryl), with their children Michael (Jody) and Lindsay and his great grandchildren Payton and Zoe, Antigonish; Maureen, London, ON. Also surviving is his sister-in-law Lorraine.
Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late Allen Y. and Margaret (MacNeil) MacCormick. He was the last surviving sibling in his family. His siblings were James (Kay); Austin (Clara); John (Olga); Wilfred (Lorraine); Mary; Anna (John) Ward; Winnifred; Evelyn (Nelson) McKnight.
For Leo and Betty, family was extremely important; they encouraged their children to pursue an education and appreciate the great outdoors. He had a passion for the written word, enjoying poetry and a love of learning new things. Dad enjoyed all genres of music, but local Celtic music held a special place in his heart, drawing him to step dancing later in his life. Leo always lived by the principles of his faith; sharing grace and wisdom with whom he came in contact. He firmly believed in passing his knowledge and experience to others, whether it be within the medical profession through mentorship, or with those who enjoyed gardening. He had a natural green thumb and shared his garden produce freely.
Our Dad’s personal and core public health values were strongly aligned and his kindness and generosity of spirit, shone brightly in so many ways. He was a firm believer in the benefits of fresh food for health and healing. Dad also felt meal times strengthened the bonds between those invited to the table. Once again, showing his personal compassion for the dignity and respect of all, he shared his garden vegetables with food banks in nearby communities where the need was highest. In honour of our Dad, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to your local food bank. Dad’s guiding principles are summed up in the Serenity Prayer.
Visitation for the late Dr. MacCormick will be held on Wednesday June 22, 2022 at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday June 23, 2022 in St. Mary’s Church, East Bay at 10 am with Father Anthony O’Connor officiating. Those wishing to may attend via livestream by visiting TW Curry's facebook page. A reception will be held at the East Bay Firehall following the service. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
To leave memories or condolences please visit www.twcurry.com
