Sydney

We, the family of Donald Edward MacAskill, 83, announce the passing of our father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend on Thursday, March 31, 2022. He passed peacefully at home with family at his side after a short battle with cancer.

Born on March 6, 1939, in Sydney, Donald was the son of the late Daniel ‘Chookie’ and Beulah (Pyke) MacAskill of Whitney Pier.

Donald is survived by his wife of 60 plus years, Anne Marie (Currie) MacAskill; son, Bradley (Brenda) of Falmouth, NS; daughters, Donna Reilly (John) of Memphis, Tennessee and Leanne Travis (Max) of Courtice, ON; grandchildren, Tara, Melissa, Kalyn, Kirsten, Kyle and Ryan; great-granddaughter, Hannah; brother, Butch; sister, Raylene George and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Donald was predeceased by his sisters, Lorraine Nickerson and Marilyn Campbell.

After working 12 years at Sydney Steel, Donald found his passion for teaching industrial technology at Whitney School and Whitney Pier Memorial Junior High. He spent 19 years with 587 Whitney Pier Air Cadet Squadron; Life Member Branch 138 Royal Canadian Legion, member of Sydney Steelworkers and Pensioners Club and was active with the Coxheath Daytime Senior Skaters.

Donald received medals and awards for his service to Veterans, government, Royal Canadian Legion, military and municipality over his 60 years of voluntary service.

Many thanks to his family doctor, Dr. Lisa Gammell and the doctors, nurses and staff at the An Cala Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. A special thank you to Brett Gillis, RN, for the exemplary care that he provided Donald in his time of need.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation for the late Donnie MacAskill will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) on Monday, April 4, 2022, from 4 – 7 p.m. The funeral service will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Sydney River on Tuesday, Apr 5, 2022, at 11 a.m. with Fr. Jim Oliver officiating.

For Livestreaming, click here: Face Book at Holy Redeemer

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Donnie may be made to the Hospice of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital or the Horizon Achievement Centre.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

Online Condolences

Anne Marie, we are so sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.

From:  Henry and Karen Johnston

To all Donnie’s family our sincere condolences on his passing , Donnie was a great man and he will be missed dearly,rest in peace pal ……

From:  Mary messenger and Joe white

Anne Marie and family – we are thinking about you and the huge void Donnie’s passing will leave in your community and beyond. He was a great guy and fond memories of our time together in the General Office. I have told the Bermuda Bay people of his passing. Treasure the wonderful memories – his presence will be missed throughout the community. Sending big hugs. Barbara and Keith MacLeod.

From:  Barbara MacLeod

Donnie was always such a gentleman and respected by all who knew him. My sincere condolences. May he Rest In Peace. Pat Almon

From:  Pat Almon

Annemarie and Family,
So sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

From:  Kerry & Claude Langlois

Our deepest sympathy to Anne Marie and Raylene and family, , we will never forget the many good times had at the family bungalow, our prayers and thoughts are with you at this most difficult time, R.I.P. my friend

From:  Francis and Darlene rozicki

My Deepest Sympathy to the MacAskill family. Donnie was a part of my life from the age of 13 to 25. A true gentleman and leader. RIP Donnie.

From:  Helen Szucs (Nee Rozicki)

Anne-Marie and family
Sorry for your loss
From:  David & Penny MacNeil

To The Family:
I was shocked and saddened to hear of your loss of Donnie.
He was a great guy and a very good friend.
Always had a smile for everyone.
Treasure your memories and God Bless.

From:  Greta Nearing

Anne Marie and family, Sorry to hear of Donnie,s passing May he rest in peace,

From:  Karen Moore

Dear Anne Marie and family – please accept my sincerest condolences on Donnie’s passing. He lived a full life surrounded by his family and many friends. Thinking of you at this difficult time.

From:  Marilyn Roberts

So very sorry for your loss.

From:  Dan and Rose Murrin

Our condolences on the passing of Donnie. Prayers and hugs from the Hickman family

From:  Valerie MacIvor

Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Anne Marie and Family on Donnie’s passing. He will certainly be missed by many. May he rest in peace.
Lawrence and Marilyn

From:  Lawrence O’Callaghan

So very sorry Ann Marie and family for your loss. You are in our thoughts and our prayers.

From:  Ellen MacIntosh

My sincere condolances to the MacIsaac family and extended family. Donnie’s life was a life well-lived.

From:  Howard MacIntyre

Our Sincere Condolences to Anne Marie & MacAskill Family. I was a very good friend of Donnie for many years. We went to school together and I was in the Whitney Pier Air Cadets with him. May He Rest in Peace. Steve & Elizabeth Hasiuk

From:  Steve Hasiuk

Dear Anne Marie and family. You are daily in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers as you journey through Donnie’s passing. Heaven has a place for Donnie, a man who gave so much, lovingly and willing to an abundance of people whose lives were blessed by his kindness. Our memories of you and Donnie go back to your arrival on Blarney Road as summer residents beginning in the 60s. Our hearts ache for you all at this challenging time. Donnie’s spirit of generosity and love will remain with you and all who loved him here. God bless you and your dear family today and always! Love, hugs & prayers, Viola & Ivan & family.

From:  Viola and Ivan Doncaster

Anne Marie and Family, so sorry to read of Donnie’s passing, our thoughts are with you at this time.

From:  Keats & Brenda Biron

So sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. Please accept my heart felt condolences for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. I will always remember him as CO of 587. He was a good man and I had a great deal of respect for him. He was also the best man at my mother and father’s wedding. The families of the “Broadway” community always had a close connection; one that we would not find anywhere but there. Know that I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sincerely, Shirley

From:  Shirley (Crane) Gardiner

Anne Marie and family,
It is with sadness that I learned of Donnie’s passing. I had the pleasure of his company on the golf course last summer. He warned me that he might not be available to play this summer and I had hoped that he would be wrong. I will miss him on my daily dog walks. He was a man with an extremely positive outlook. God bless Donnie and the family.

From:  Allan Beaton

Dear, Leanne, Max, and family. So very sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest condolences to you all in this sad time.

From:  Barbara Gillen MacIntosh

Very sorry to hear of Donnie’s passing. Can’t say enough good things about Donnie. Always good to us as kids growing up next door, in the Pier.
A terrific mentor and “big brother”. He’ll be sadly missed by all who knew him.

From:  Ron and Joanne Evely

Anne Marie & Family:
Please accept my sincere sympathy on the death of Donnie. As you are aware Donnie & I worked together on a number of projects for the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 138 (Ashby) and I marvelled at the knowledge and skill he had when taking on any projects. The Legion lost a great champion and he will be missed. May he rest in peace.

From:  John MacInnnis

So sorry for your loss.

From:  Abbie Neville

Anne Marie,
Donnie’s many hours of generous service brought joy to many including us. His passing will be a deep loss not only to your family but also to the community at large. Rest easy Donnie!
Heartfelt condolences,
Tom & Eleanor Murphy

Sincerest sympathy to you, Anne Marie and your family. Donnie was very talented and I am sure will be greatly missed.
From:  Sandra (Duffney) Smith

Sincere condolences to the MacAskill family. Thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

From:  John & Lee Dicks

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Donnie. I worked with Donnie for many years with 587 air cadets. He worked very hard with the youth of the pier.

From:  Art (Butch) Pittman