Edward MacLaughlin (Mac) Barrie

We, the children of Edward MacLaughlin “Mac” Barrie, are heartbroken to announce his passing on Monday, September 23rd, 2024, at the Northside Guest Home, North Sydney. Dad was born in the family homestead in Greenhill, Florence, Nova Scotia, on August 15, 1934.  He was the son of the late George and Cecelia (nee Cantwell) Barrie.  Dad is predeceased by his beloved siblings, Nathaniel “Nat,” Adrian, Bernadette Whittem, Adelaide Clancy, Gerald, and twin brother, Dave, and he will be overjoyed to be once again reunited with them.  Dad is survived by his children, Paul, Sandra Gouthro (Gerry), Leah Naagel (Jason), and John (Renee), and also by his grandchildren, Cynthia Foster, Ryan Barrie, Natalie Barnhill, Christopher Gouthro, Nicholas Gouthro, Nolan Barrie, Makayla Barrie, Gavin Barrie, and Katie Lynn Naagel; and great-grandchildren Scott, Evelyn, Colbey and Jack. Dad is also survived by the mother of his children, Dorothy (nee Steffens), his sister, Mrs. Ann Quinn of Florence, Nova Scotia, numerous nieces and nephews, and Susan McKinley, mother of Cynthia, Ryan, and Natalie. 

                Dad attended St. F.X. and the University of New Brunswick, graduating with a Civil Engineering Degree.  He started his career in Sault St. Marie, Ontario, in July 1958 with the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. Dad’s dedication to his work resulted in numerous promotions and the family having to relocate every few years.  He was recognized as being very proficient and was highly regarded within the MTC.  After living in Espanola, Kingston, Ottawa and Toronto, in 1973, he was promoted to the position of District Engineer, in the largest district in Ontario, and the family was once again on the move to the small town of Cochrane, in Northern Ontario.  The family experienced considerable culture shock moving from the big city of Toronto to Cochrane, population 5,000, as far north as you can drive on Yonge Street!  It turned out to be such a wonderful experience for us all. 

                In 1978, Dad decided it was time to leave government life behind and move back home to Cape Breton, vowing never to wear a tie again. He bought MacQuarrie’s Restaurant on Halfway Road, Sydney Mines, and operated it for several years until it was time to officially retire. 

                Dad was an expert carpenter who renovated every home we owned.  In later years, he put these skills to renovations in the homes of his children, helping his daughter Sandra build her first home in George’s River and, in 1980, building the family cabin in Washabuck. This place has become cherished by all in the family.  Dad was a typical Cape Bretoner who loved his tea and something sweet.  He valued education and was a math whiz.  He was adamant that we, as children, learned our time's tables, and suppertime was the dreaded hour for random quizzes.  We each learned to perfectly time a mouthful of food when we were singled out for an answer.  Many years later, his grandchildren had the benefit of his help with math over the phone, but without the stress!  Had Dad not become an engineer, he would have made an excellent teacher.  Dad turned to toy-making in his later years, building wooden rocking horses, planes, and trains, their perfection attesting to his patience and attention to detail. 

                Dad was a quiet, introspective man who loved nothing more than to sit at family gatherings with his cup of tea, listening to stories and jokes and reveling in laughter and memories.  He became especially close with his surviving siblings during his later years, following a schedule of weekly visits to each of their homes.  He especially appreciated the humor of his twin brother Dave, who could always be counted on to crack a new joke or make a politically incorrect comment that Dad would laugh about all the way home. 

                Visitation will take place on Saturday, September 28th, 2024, from 12 – 2 pm, with a service at 2 p.m. at Jobes Funeral Home, Main Street, Sydney Mines. A graveside burial will follow at 2:30 pm at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Sydney Mines.  Donations in his honour may be made to the Northside Guest Home, North Sydney. 

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