Obituary of Elward McMackin

The family of Elward William McMackin wish to announce his peaceful passing at his residence, with his family by his side, on the Hall Rd in Hampton, on March 17th at the age of 84.  Born in Back Settlement, Upham on July 3, 1939, Elward was the son of Joseph and Sarah (Meehan) McMackin. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Phyllis (Doherty) McMackin, his children Vincent McMackin of Halifax NS, Joe (Emiliana) McMackin of Gatineau Quebec, Beth (Wade) MacNutt of Saint John, and Elward P. (Regan Kippers) McMackin of Hampton and his grandchildren Victor, Max and Chris McMackin and Weston and Abby MacNutt.

He was predeceased by his brothers Jim (Ruth), David (Bertha), Bernie, Peter, and sisters Anna McMackin and Josie (Bert) Beyea, as well as several nieces and nephews.  He is survived by his sisters Mary McMackin, Roberta (the deceased Ronnie) Bourque, Donna (Mike) McPhee, Barbie (Norman) Seely, and brothers Joe (Barb), Andy (Maureen), and Pat (Ruby), Henry.  Survived as well by sisters-in-law Bertha Sheppard, Millie Doherty and Edna Allen.

Elward was part of a large and loving family where, as a boy he learned the value of hard work and responsibility.  At a young age he worked the woods and family farm with his father and was a great help to his parents in providing for the family he loved so dear.

He worked his early years in the nickel and copper mines of Chapais Quebec and Rankin Inlet NWT. He studied as a boiler maker and began a 38 year career with Saint John Shipbuilding Limited where he worked as a supervisor of the steel dept, planner for the steel outfitter for the Naval Frigate Program and became the superintendent of the steel dept. He made many good friends during his career. He also spent short contracts with Sable Island Oil Rig, Lepreau and finished his career with the Halifax Shipyard. In his retirement he enjoyed driving bus for the French school district.

Elward’s faith was a source of strength, that he shared and instilled in his children. He took great pride in his family and was a devoted husband and father.  He enjoyed teaching his family to appreciate the beauty of nature through gardening, especially strawberries, his fishpond, snowmobiling in his younger years, fishing adventures, hunting, enjoying the songbirds or the shade of a tree. He coached minor ball and was involved the parent school association. Elward played soft ball with the Shipyard team, the old timers and slow pitch leagues in Hampton, creating many fond memories as team pitcher. He enjoyed music night at the Hampton Seniors Resource Center and happy to sing or join in a lively dance.  Elward was good-natured, quick with a smile or story and especially enjoyed time with all his family.

Elward was a lifelong member of St. Alphonsus church and was an alter server, a greeter and minister of the Eucharist for over 40 years. He was a former member of the Hampton Legion and a member of the Knights of Columbus council 8213.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, where visitation will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024 from 4 to 7PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 11:00AM from St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Interment will take place in the spring at St. Alphonsus Catholic Cemetery.

Thank you to Father Burns, Father Savoie and Dr. Fisher, Dr. Thompson, Dr. Reiman, the SJRH Oncology Dept and the KV Extra-mural program. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hampton Food Basket, KV Extra-mural program or charity of the donor’s choice.