Obituary of John Philip MacLeod

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of John Phillip MacLeod of Arichat, NS on April 18, 2022, at the age of 69 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 25 years Ann Latimer, his daughter Melanie MacLeod, son Reverend Sheldon MacLeod, grandchildren Anthony, Cristina, Graham, Brother Bert (Sheila) MacLeod, Sisters Margie Battist, Evelyn Dunn, and many nieces and nephews. He will also be greatly missed by his extended family Francis, Theresa, Brent, Tina, Brody, Cheyenne, Cathy, Hayden, Lindy, Jerry, Ronnie, and Bonnie, his family at “The Camp” and all his card-playing pals. He was predeceased by his Mother Catherine (Hayden) MacLeod, father James MacLeod, and his brother Jimmy MacLeod. “Enjoy the little things in life for one day you will look back and realize they were the big things” This would best describe Phil’s way of life. He was a simple man who took joy in the simplest things. Phil brightened a room with his hardy laugh, bright smile, and quick wit. He loved the company of family and friends and was always the first person to want to lend a helping hand. Phil was not a TV watcher and always wanted to stay busy. He loved working in his shed doing some woodworking projects and you could often hear him practice on his guitar singing to the top of his lungs, we swore he was planning a concert! He loved music, you often found him at Bluegrass festivals, and if there was a good jam going on he’d be the first out with his guitar and singing away. He never cared if he sang off-key as he loved to sing and we all loved the joy it brought him. Along with festivals Phil loved to camp and had a group of special people that gathered up at “The Camp” The group often huddled around the campfire telling stories, listening to or playing music. You would always count on Phil to be looking for Ann’s famous grill cheese when it was getting close to bedtime. Everyone there got to benefit when he requested them. Phil also loved a good game of cards, you often found him on a Saturday night playing with all his card-playing pals. We’re still not sure if it was the cards he enjoyed or all the treats that were served at the card game. Phil had a really big sweet tooth and if Dana made her famous cinnamon rolls or monkey bread, he would lose on purpose so he could be the first to go sample them. Phil was a hard worker and worked right up until he got sick last September. I guess it is true that you really never work hard when you love the place you work and what you're doing. He often expressed this while working with Ideal Concrete and felt as part of a great team while he worked there. A Celebration of life will take place on May 7, 2022, at The Isle Madame New Horizons Senior Citizens Club in Arichat, NS from 11 am till 3 pm. During this time will be a service by Phil’s son Reverend Sheldon MacLeod, then a light lunch followed by a musical Jam. Please bring your guitar and your singing voice so Phil will be able to hear the music this day. Memorial donations may be made to Strait Richmond Palliative care or Isle Madame Pay It Forward Angel Fund. The family wishes to send a special thanks to all the doctors, specialists, surgeons, and nurses at the Strait Richmond Hospital, QEII, VG, St. Martha’s, Cape Breton Regional Hospital, and Life flight. The care and compassion that Phil and his family received over the last 8 months were exceptional and will never be forgotten. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to C.H. Boudreau Funeral Home, Arichat. Tributes, words of comfort, and memories of John, may be shared with the family at www.chboudreau.com