MacIsaac Funeral Home

11/21/2025

The Year 1975 Remembered

Toronto’s skyline was forever changed in 1975 when an enormous Sikorsky helicopter flew into the downtown core to attach the last pieces of the CN Tower’s antenna. This event marked the end of construction of what would be the world’s tallest structure for the next 32 years.

The year also saw the beaver becoming Canada’s official national symbol, denoting its importance to Indigenous People and its prominence during the fur trade. Other noteworthy events included Environment Canada switching from Fahrenheit to Celsius, Ontario becoming the first province to exclusively teach the metric system in school, the birth of government-owned Petro-Canada, the opening of Montreal’s Mirabel Airport, and the awarding of Senate seats to both the Yukon and Northwest Territories.

In world news, after close to 20 years of fighting, the Vietnam War officially ended when North Vietnam conquered Saigon on April 30, 1975. The surrender by the South Vietnamese resulted in the mass exodus of U.S. troops from the region.

In science and technology, Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen with the release of the Altair BASIC, Cromemco Cyclops became the first digital commercial camera, and a U.S. patent was awarded for Ethernet local area networking, the predecessor of today’s internet.

In sports, Muhammad Ali defeated Joe Frazier in what became known as the “Thrilla in Manila.” Home Box Office, the first pay television network, delivered the broadcast, allowing the boxing match to be viewed by over 100 million people worldwide. In entertainment, Charlie Chaplin was knighted by the Queen and Jaws frightened many as the summer’s blockbuster movie. Its release actually had children too scared to go in the water. Books of the year included Jack Higgins’ The Eagle Has Landed’ and James Clavell’s Shōgun. Toys and gifts of 1975 included Mood Rings, Pong (home version) and Pet Rocks.

© MacIsaac Funeral Home/CFHC Online

11/17/2025

11/15/2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Catherine Gerard (Kay) Doucet, a cherished member of the Antigonish community, who left us peacefully on November 8, 2025, at the Maples, Antigonish. Born on October 9, 1931, in Tompkins, Newfoundland, Kay was the beloved daughter of the late Al...

11/11/2025

Remembrance Day Observance

Today we stand shoulder to shoulder with Canadians across our nation and honour those who have fallen in war and conflicts around the world.

They fought for our freedoms and helped to pave the way for the liberties and opportunities we enjoy. Thank you for your service. As we pause in silence in your memory, our hearts go out to all families who are affected by the loss of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

11/10/2025

It is with deep sadness that the family of Joe A. MacDonald of Antigonish, Nova Scotia, announces his passing. Joe A. was the eldest son of the late John L. and Lucy (Gillis) MacDonald. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Hector (Carole Gillies), and his sister-in-law Arlene (Pat). He is....

11/07/2025

Conversations from the Heart

There’s that moment when two people who are talking truly connect. They share eye contact and they fully understand one another. Those who grieve seek to have these moments, knowing that others share how the pain of their loss has affected them.

Some tips to be that person are:

• Be open to their vulnerability. At times such as these, compassion is important.
• Be an active listener. Listen to understand and not to reply. Seek clarification if needed.
• Don’t rush the conversation. If it takes 10 minutes or 2 hours for them to express all that they are going through, this is a difficult time. Surely nothing is more deserving of your time.
• Be sure to express your thoughts well. So that they understand what you are saying.
• Remember this is about helping them discover. It’s not about offering advice.

Perhaps in your conversation with them there will be a moment of profound silence, a moment when a breakthrough occurs. Being that person, one with empathy is sure to help them at a time of need.

© MacIsaac Funeral Home/CFHC Online

11/04/2025

Raymond Joseph LeBlanc (Pere), aged 89, of Havre Boucher, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully on November 4th, 2025. Raymond was predeceased by his beloved wife, Diane LeBlanc (2024), with whom he shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and family. He will be deeply missed by his sons Dennis (Lorna) an...

11/04/2025

Brenda Botterill (née Hill), age 93, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Thursday, October 24, 2025 in St. Martha's Regional Hospital, Antigonish. Brenda was born on August 21, 1932 to Wilfred and Doris Hill in Bradford, Yorkshire, England. She is survived by daughter Ruth (Ross) Adams, Ca...

11/03/2025

Funerals are often a sad, reflective occasion where mourners come together to remember a lost loved one, but they don't all have to be that way. These epic, weird, and just plain cool hearses are the perfect way to send the dearly departed off in style. Whether it's a converted E-Type Jag or a...

10/27/2025

Some Basic Funeral Planning Terms and Definitions

Funeral home professionals often use terms which the general public is unfamiliar with. Here are three such terms and an explanation of what each refers to.

Preneed: this refers to any funeral or cemetery plans which are decided on in advance. Preneed arrangements are recorded wishes with a funeral home. Essentially, the individual will have a preneed file which contains a list of decisions made… such as: the selection of a casket or urn, the desired location for the funeral service and clergy who will preside at it, and sometimes even more specific information such as what music is to be played and which readings or poems will be recited. Preneed arrangements can be prefunded or left till when a person passes.

Prefunding: This is formalizing prearrangements with payment. In this scenario, the person makes decisions on the details of a service and prepays for these services. Two important aspects to prefunding need mentioning. Firstly, any arrangements prefunded will not incur any additional charges when the person passes. These funds are held with a third party and earn income offsetting the effects of inflation. Secondly, some individuals choose to partially prepay for services. They may pay for funeral services, but not cemetery fees. Or, in some instances the funeral home will not take prepayment for services which are not offered directly through them, such as an obituary or catering. These services will need to be paid for at the time of need, when the person passes.

Atneed: This is when decisions are left until when a person passes. Surviving family members make choices about funeral services for their beloved at that time. The decision-making process is typically brief with atneed arrangements. In many instances decisions need to be made immediately when meeting with the funeral director. We are very experienced in working with families under this scenario, so service details will unfold naturally. That said, this is a difficult and emotional time for those entrusted with these arrangements and leaving decisions till this time will add some anxiety and stress to the process.

We have individuals and families who make their arrangements in all of the above ways. If you have questions about preneed, prefunding or atneed arrangements, please contact us. We’re here to help.

© MacIsaac Funeral Home/CFHC Online

10/25/2025

Margaret Ellen (Rudolph) MacIsaac, the eldest daughter of Frank Irven and Susan Ellen (Johnson) Rudolph was born with an abundance of vitality and creativity. Her view of the world was formed through the lens of nature, the lens of a camera and anything that could be read from a book. This was a per...