William James MACKIN

"The Irish - be they kings, or poets, or farmers, they're a people of great worth, they keep company with the angels, and bring a bit of heaven here to earth." MACKIN, WILLIAM (BILL) JAMES - William (Bill) James Mackin (August 5, 1918 - June 22, 2008) passed away in his 90th year while enjoying a lovely Sunday with family and friends in Fredericton. He was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Marjorie Elizabeth Buckley (2001). During the past few years, Dad has enjoyed good health which allowed him to enjoy many prime rib roast dinners and the company of his family with lots of good stories about "the good old days" and listening to his favourite country music by Hank Snow, Johnny Cash and Charlie Pride, and always Irish music especially "O, Danny Boy". He also loved a good western movie! Recently, Dad was making his new residence at Kennebec Manor where he was settling into a new life style and making new friends. Dad is survived by his three sons, Dan (Elizabeth), Frank (Sue Anne), Joseph (Jill); and two daughters, Theresa Stoddart (Jim) and Suzanne Johnston (John); grandchildren, Danielle and Katherine Mackin; Patrick (Maritza), Ann, Peter (Michelle) and Christine Stoddart; Bree and Robbie Mackin; and Keith and Erin Mackin; and great grandchildren, Sydney Elizabeth, Julian James, Sabrina Rose and Samantha Lauryn. Dad was born in Saint John, N. B. on August 5, 1918 and was the eldest son of Daniel Patrick Mackin and Mary Luella Quinlan. He was raised along with his two sisters, Margaret (John) Dalton, Lillian (Harold) Stafford and five brothers, Gregory (Mary), Paul (Shirley), Bernie (Lillian), predeceased by Joseph (Bette) and Gerald (Gerry). Also, survived by many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and very good friend, Bernice Buckley (Vincent) and Joan McQuoid (Bill), brothers-in-law, Ervine (Alberta) Buckley, Paul Butler (Roberta). Dad met our mother in the Port City and lived and enjoyed all of his years here. He worked at the Dry Dock and Canada Packers, later as meat manager at Sobey Stores and retired in 1978 from J.D. Irving. Dad never shied away from hard work and his persistence was a trait that many wished they had. Our Dad loved cars - it became a family story and many important life milestones and passages were marked by the car that he owned on any particular day. He particularly loved attending the Mackin Family Reunions over the years and reacquainting himself with fond memories and some good Irish stories. Our father was a man of faith and loved his Catholic religion and devotion, often seen with rosary in hand. He and Marjorie attended Novenas for many years at St. Peter's Church where they were married. They raised their family in St. Pius X parish on Somerset Street. The family will meet with friends at Castle Funeral Home "Fallsview Chapel", 309 Lancaster Ave. (634-1701) with visitation on Wednesday from 7 - 9 and Thursday 2 - 4 and 7 - 9. Mass of Christian burial will take place on Friday, June 27th at St. Pius X Church 11:00am, 316 Somerset St. Reception following St. Pius X Church Hall. Interment will take place in St. Joseph's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society or Children's Wish Foundation of N.B. or charity of donor's choice. Online condolences may be made at www.castlefh.com