Ranald was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2016. In spite of dealing with cancer and the many associated treatments, he continued to live a full life characterized by generosity and hard work.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis (MacEachen) Port Hood; children, Rosalie (Terry Haigh), New Westminster, B.C.; Donia (Ken Payne), St John’s, N.L.; Nathan (Raquel), Toronto, Ont.; Nicholas, Halifax, and Christopher, Dubai; grandchildren, Rafael and Matthew; siblings, Flora McLaughlin, Medford, Mass.; Margie (Cliff) Holder, Truro; Morag Graham, Judique; Lewis, Halifax; Graeme (Lynn), Port Hood; Donald Andrew (Imelda), Halifax; and his exceptional nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Dan Lewis and Annabelle MacDonald and his brother, Allan.
In his teenage years, Ranald worked as a fisherman in Port Hood. He moved to Prince George, B.C. where he worked as a CNR brakeman. He returned to Port Hood and in 1971 began working as a papermaker at the pulp mill in Point Tupper.
After retiring in 1998, he bought a green John Deere tractor. From then on, many a sunny day saw him mowing, tilling, bush hogging, and helping with community projects. He was always meticulous about his work, and took great pride in a job well done. An unexpected bonus was acquiring many new friends from both the US and Canada.
Ranald loved sports, as player, coach and fan. He and Father Eugene Morris worked together to organize the Port Hood Miners’ softball team. He played first base for the Miners, the Royals, and Landon Construction softball teams. The highlight of Ranald’s ball career occurred on a Sunday when, playing with the Miners against Arisaig, this left handed batter drove the ball over the right field fence - three times – for three solid home runs! He was an assistant coach for his daughters’ softball high school and summer teams, and was an involved, active parent with all of his children's sports and interests. After retirement, he spent many happy hours on the golf course. Even as his strength dwindled, he always found enough energy to carry him through those alluring 18 holes. “Look out! I’m on steroids!”
Ranald was an entrepreneur. With the help of Joe Morris, he established MacDonald’s Ice Cream Barn which grew to be a favourite social spot for young and old.
We will remember him – for his love of music and unique versions of Toora Loora Loora and Bonnie Dundee; for “Papa, tractor ride please”; for his beautiful display of Christmas lights “it looks like fairyland!”; for his wit “You know Phyllis, if you hit the nail on the head it would take a lot less time and be a lot less painful”; and for the joy and pride he felt for his children and grandchildren, his “greatest achievements”.
Thank you to Lori Ann, Paulette, Mary Jessie and Dr. Ritter. Thank you to the nurses, cooks and cleaning staff who treated us with such kindness, respect and compassion.
This ordeal with Ranald’s illness has emphasized how special our community is. We have been showered with kindness and prayers. We are filled with gratitude. There are no words to express how much it meant to Ranald to be part of the Coffee Club, to have the support and friendship of the kind and generous men (and understanding wives) in this group.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday October 6th from 11 - 11:45 a.m. in St. Peter's Church, Port Hood with Funeral Mass to follow at 12:00 p.m. with Father Vincent vanZutphen and Father Eugene Morris officiating. Burial in the parish cemetery.
Donations can be made to the Al MacInnis Sports Centre, Port Hood and area Resting Place or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com
“Will the circle be unbroken, by and by Lord, by and by. There’s a better home awaiting, in the sky, Lord, in the sky.”
