MacLELLAN, Brian J.

Kempt Head

It is with overwhelming sadness and broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, Brian MacLellan, age 56, on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at the Halifax Infirmary, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Glace Bay on September 23, 1961, Brian was the son of Roy and Donna (Doyle) MacLellan of Glace Bay.

Besides his parents, Brian is survived by his loving wife, Thea (Schuurkamp); his two daughters, Lorel and Ella; his two brothers, Earl MacLellan, Sydney, Leon (Kendra) MacLellan, St. Peter’s; mother-in-law, Geertruida Schuurkamp; sisters-inlaw, Brenda (Duncan) MacLeod, Trish Taylor; brother-in-law, John (Rodina) Schuurkamp and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father-in-law, Gerrit Schuurkamp; brothers-in-law, Gerrit Schuurkamp Jr. and Bill Taylor and his sister-in-law, Jeannine MacLellan.

Brian was a long-time resident of the Kempt Head/ Ross Ferry community. He was well known to all as the local phone man, having worked for over 31 years for Bell Aliant. However, he was most established for being a great friend, who always had a two-hour conversation full of smiles and laughter, ready for the next time that he saw you. He was a real sportsman and gentleman, his passion for sports gave him the opportunity to strike up many conversations. He especially loved spending the time with his girls watching the Super Bowl. Brian was a wonderful family man, who would drop anything if it meant helping his family, for he loved them so much. His devoted and caring wife, Thea, was his best friend and rock. They had a tremendous bond after 23 years of marriage. Together they raised their two lovely daughters, Lorel and Ella, who were Brian’s greatest accomplishment. He simply beamed whenever he spoke of them and was so very proud of them in everything they did, but particularly in their musical ability. Anyone who knew Brian could see the joy watching his daughters gave him.

Music was Brian’s passion. An amazing guitarist and musical perfectionist himself, Brian always encouraged his girls to strive for greatness with their own musical ability. He was honored to be able to play at several functions with his daughters over the years. Brian’s love also extended to his church community at Knox Presbyterian Church, Ross Ferry. A devout Christian and elder of the church, he was always ready, with a smile, to assist in any way possible with whatever was needed. Brian loved to fill the church with music, whether it be with his unmistakable voice from the choir, playing the guitar for services or watching his daughters play the organ, he loved it all. Brian really thrived in the local rock scene, having a local band with his brothers, Earl and Leon called The MacLellan Brothers Band.

Brian was a lover of animals, especially his horses who he cared for everyday alongside his barn cat, Jekyll (Kitty), and his chocolate lab companion, Ben. Brian touched the lives of so many people over his years, and he will always be remembered as a kind and grateful soul that was taken from us too soon.

The family would like express a heartfelt thank you to the two nurses on scene, Bonnie Samson Gagnon and Esther McDonnell, The St. Peter’s Fire Department, The First Response Team, Dr. Mark Sampson along with the medical staff at the Straight Richmond Hospital, Life Flight Team, the caring medical staff at the CCU Halifax Infirmary; Dr. Nicholas Giacomantonio, Dr. Kate MacEachen, Dr. Andrew Caddell and

the many, many wonderful nurses and RT’s as well as MLA Keith Bain.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation for Brian will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Friday in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney.

Funeral service to be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Knox Presbyterian Church, Ross Ferry with Rev. Peter MacDonald officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to Knox Presbyterian Church, Heart & Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or the Cancer Care Fund at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com.