David Lewis MacKeigan

It is with sadness and broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Dave MacKeigan on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Northside General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Florence on April 6, 1936, he was the son of the late Murdock and Gertrude (Archer) MacKeigan. He was the beloved husband and best friend of his late wife, Ellen (Boudreau), and they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage. He was a loving father to Joanne (Harvey) LeBlanc, Vaughn (Marie) MacKeigan, and Kara-Lee (Michael) Jessome. He was a proud grandfather to Adam, Courtney, Jean-Marc, Jennifer, Shawn, Ryan, Anna, and Keigan, and a cherished great-grandfather to Abby, Liam, Logan, Jack, Iain, Austin, and Emily.

Dave is also survived by his siblings, Sandra (Elmer) Roper and Warren MacKeigan, sister-in-law Bibsey MacKeigan and sister-in-law Emma Reashore, as well as many special nieces and nephews.

Besides his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his brother Gordie, a brother in infancy, his sister-in-law Patricia, his father and mother-in-law Raymond and Gertrude Boudreau, sisters-in-law Theresa (Austin) and Yvonne (Larry), and brother-in-law Eddie.

Dave began working at his father’s business, MacKeigan’s Garage, at a very young age. He proudly shared stories of getting his driver’s licence early—after stretching the truth about his age at just 14—and spent his early years responding to tow calls, repairing tires, and pumping gas.

He later completed his schooling and became a skilled automotive mechanic. His love of cars and dedication to keeping them in pristine condition ran deep and continues through the generations that came after him.

Dave left his hometown at a young age of 20 to work on the “lake boats” before returning home, where he met the love of his life, started a family, and took over the family business, MacKeigan’s Service Centre. 

Over the years, he also worked at Keizer’s Manufacturing and owned and operated Dave MacKeigan’s Auto Parts. He travelled across the island, selling and delivering car parts to service stations with his mobile business. In his later years, he worked part-time at CB Hoare Auto Parts. He also drove a school bus for the Cape Breton Regional School Board, often returning home with a smile and a funny story about the children and the conversations they shared along the way.

Dave was a quiet and kind man, always ready to listen and offer advice when needed. He had a jolly laugh and smile that could brighten any room and made sure his family never went without. His memory will forever live on in the stories we tell, the memories we hold close, and the love he shared with all who knew him. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the medical staff of 2 West at Northside General Hospital who cared for Dave in the past few months. They would also like to express special gratitude to Breanna and Adam, his “special personal caregivers,” for their kind, compassionate, and dedicated care.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with a service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at J.M. Jobes Funeral Home, 635 Main Street, Sydney Mines, with Rev Stephen Mills Officating. A lunchon will follow at Holy Family Church Hall. Burial will take place at a later date in St. Joseph’s Parish Cemetery, Bras d’Or.

Donations in Dave’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to his family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com

“The LIFE of a person is measured not with the years, but with the FOOTPRINT, that he leaves in other people's LIVES, THOUGHTS & HEARTS.”

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