Archibald MACKEIGAN

MacKEIGAN, Archibald Lemal - With heartache we announce the sudden tragic death of Archie MacKeigan, 63, of Sydney River, as the result of a motor vehicle accident on March 5, 2008. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Gail (MacLellan); children, Laurie (Tom Murray), Bermuda, Greg (Maria), Edmonton, Alta., and Shawna, Sydney. His spirit will also live on in his grandchildren, Kathryn, Andrew and Ana Maria. He was predeceased by his parents, Amelia (Lemal) and Archibald MacKeigan. Born in Glace Bay and raised in Reserve Mines, he spent the last 30 years residing in Sydney River. Archie always lived life to the fullest and had an active interest in so many things. He leaves his family and friends with many happy memories. He was a devoted husband and father. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, and loved spending time with them and talking about them. Everything he did was with great enthusiasm and energy. He was a great friend to many people and always had time to stop and talk to everyone he saw. He could often be seen driving his Harley, entertaining with his own gourmet cooking, fixing or building anything, traveling, and working in the woods. He was even known to raise his own chickens and turkeys, and vegetable gardens. He proudly included "registered vegetable judge" in his talents and community service. Archie was the CEO of the Cove Guest Home for 13 years and genuinely enjoyed his job. He loved both staff and residents there. He spent over 35 years in health care in government, hospitals and long term care, and was actively involved locally, provincially and nationally on many boards and committees. He was currently an active member of Resi-Care Cape Breton, Healthcare Human Resource Council for Nova Scotia, Care Givers of Nova Scotia Association, the Department of Labour Occupations Health and Safety Advisory Council, the Continuing Care Association of Nova Scotia and the Sydney Harbour Ports Board. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Worker's Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. He was past president of the Continuing Care Association of Nova Scotia, past chairman for the Canadian Association of Community Care in Ottawa, and a member of the Joint Ministerial Committee for Nova Scotia. He was a founding member of the Atlantic Canada and Quebec Cruise Association and a founding board member of Tourism Cape Breton. Archie graduated from St. Francis Xavier University with a BBA in 1972 and from the University of Ottawa with a Master's in Health Administration in 1974. He spent 16 years as Executive Director of the Cape Breton Hospital and then as CEO the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Visitation will take place in Sydney Memorial Chapel, Welton Street, Sydney, today from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 9, at 2 p.m. in the United Protestant Church of Sydney River. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given in his memory to the Cove Guest Home or the charity of your choice. Archie had a life well loved and loved well. He exemplified the idea, "if you want something done, ask a busy person". He will always be remembered by his family and friends and leaves a legacy of wonderful memories for those privileged to have been his family, friends, coworkers and colleagues. Condolences can be sent to the family by e-mail at: sydmemchapel@ns.sympatico.ca