Daniel Joseph MacArthur

MACARTHUR, Daniel Joseph – October 23, 1954 – December 27, 2021 Surrounded by his loving family. Dan MacArthur passed away peacefully at age of 67, in the Dartmouth General Hospital. He fought a good fight after receiving his Double Lung Transplant on January 16, 2017 but sadly he lost his battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). He leaves to mourn his loving and caring wife of 44 years Rose Marie (MacLellan) MacArthur, his children Crystal (Mark) and Colin (Lindsay). He is also extremely sad to have to leave behind his grandson Liam. Papa will miss Liam’s smile and infectious laughter so very much. Dan is also survived by his brothers; James, Grand Mira, Francis (Margo), Halifax, and Cameron (Judy), St. Stephen, New Brunswick. He also will miss his extended family, all the MacLellan’s from North Side East Bay and all those in the United States that treated him like one of their own from the very beginning. Dan grew up in Grand Mira to the late Hugh Francis and Mary Wilson (MacLeod) MacArthur. He was predeceased by his brother; Hugh MacArthur and sister; Sarah (MacArthur) Kane. Dan had retired from the construction industry where he met a great deal of wonderful co-workers and contractors. The last several years he worked for Defence Construction Canada. Dan enjoyed getting up and going to work very much. He was most proud of being able to go to Afghanistan in 2009 to work on a project during that time. Dan also enjoyed working on the construction of the cabin on Mom’s Lot in Cape Breton and the homes of both of his children. He was always looking for a bargain and liked working outside. He had a quiet way about him when working but always appreciated the help he received from family and friends. It was hard to get the work boots off Dan even after his illness and retirement. Many days, even near the end, he would put on his work boots and plan to go do something, and some of those days it was hard to get out the door, so would then turn around and take the boots back off to rest. Dan’s words of wisdom are that you have a goal or desire inside you, don’t keep it down inside you. Try your best to reach each goal and desire and then set another goal for yourself. Keep trying and not let people tell you, you can not do it. Special thanks to the NS Lung Association, the Paramedics, Nurses, Doctors both in Halifax and Toronto for their continued support and care. Words will never be able to express the gratitude we have for his Donor Family who gave us five bonus years with you. Dad, I truly hope you are comfortable and pain free. We know you are with our loved ones and you are watching over us. We hope you are able to do all of the things that truly made you happy. Buy the new truck, stop at all the yard sales, and build another shed. Cremation has taken place under the direction of the A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home, Dartmouth. Due to Covid restrictions, there will be no visitation and only a small family Mass will be held at St. Andrew's Roman Catholic Church (Divine Mercy Parish) in Eastern Passage. A Celebration of Life will be held in Cape Breton at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dan’s memory to the NS Lung Association or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent by visiting: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com