Paul Winston MacAskill

Our hearts are heavy as we announce that Paul Winston MacAskill of Millville   passed away peacefully at the Northside General Hospital on October 23, 2024, with his family at his side.

Paul was born on June 13, 1963, in Sydney Mines to his late parents, Angus Kenneth and Eliza Jane (Butts) MacAskill.

Paul is known for his hardy laugh and that contagious smile that could light up a room.  Throughout his life, Paul experienced many employment opportunities.  He sailed on the boats on the Great Lakes, worked on the pipeline and in the coil tubing industry in Alberta,  a truck driver with Baxter Dairies in Dartmouth and finally struck gold when he landed a position at Marine Atlantic allowing him to stay at home.  

He really enjoyed the outdoors especially hunting and fishing – he could often be found casting a line along the Bras d’Or Lakes and landing some pretty nice rainbow trout!  He enjoyed his motorcycles, his vintage 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442, and he always dressed for success when he was cheering for his Bruins!  In his younger years he was an exceptional hockey player and continued playing hockey in the local gentleman leagues.  Paul always loved being surrounded by   family and friends having a laugh and sharing good times.  In more recent years he did a bit of travel which included an amazing adventure to Australia.

Paul is survived by his loving and caring partner, Jocelyn Osmond-Wall whom he adored.  He is also survived by the rays of sunshine in his life, his daughters Samantha (Devon) Kiziak, Alberta and Ashley (Dale O’Brien) Dartmouth.   He is also survived by his brothers Roddie, Murray (Jeannette), Glenn, and Terry (Corinna); sisters, Corrine (Heckie) Stubbert, Melinda Mark (Jackie Henley), and his twin sister, Carrie (Tom Bond).  He is also survived by brother-in-law Richard Ahle and sister-in-law, Debby MacAskill.  He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews who always enjoyed being around him and share in his laughter and carrying on. He held a very special place in his heart for his nephew, Jacob.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by his brothers, Danny and Nayland as well as sisters, Mary Ahle, Sylvia Edmunds and Wanda; sisters-in-law Dawn MacAskill & Margie MacAskill, and brother-in-law Lorne Edmunds. 

We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the doctors and nurses on 4 West for the care and compassion provided to Paul and our family during such a difficult time.  We would also like to thank his sister Melinda and his brother Glenn for the extra time and care they were able to provide to Paul when it was needed most. 

Paul endured some medical hardships in his recent years so we ask that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his memory to our local Alzheimer’s Society or our local Cape Breton Cancer Treatment Centre to help others in the future.

Visitation will take place at Jobes Funeral Home in Sydney Mines on Wednesday, October 30th from 6-9pm. Funeral service will be held at St. James-Knox Presbyterian Church, Big Bras d’Or with Rev. Peter MacDonald officiating Thursday, October 31st at 11:00am.  Burial will follow. All are welcome to attend a social gathering to celebrate Paul’s life at Millville Community Centre immediately following the service.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul Winston MacAskill, please visit our floral store.