Roderick Alexander "Sandy" MacLeod

Alexander “Sandy” MacLeod

North Sydney

It is with deep sadness we the family announce the peaceful passing of Roderick Alexander “Sandy” MacLeod, age 89, on Wednesday, June 12, 2019, at home surrounded by loving family.

Born in Little Bras D’Or on May 22, 1930, he was the son of the late Alexander and Ethel (MacKay) MacLeod. Sandy worked for many years with CN Railway and then Via Rail until his retirement. He continued his ties with the railroad after his retirement, and was an active member and current president of the CN Pensioner’s, Sydney Council.

In early years Sandy spent many hours at the old forum either playing hockey or refereeing, which he did for over 25 years. A particularly proud moment for Sandy was when he was inducted into the Northside Sports Hall of Fame in 2012 as a member of the Northside Combines Hockey team. Later in life Sandy maintained his active lifestyle through bowling and golf. He enjoyed spending time with friends at the Friday night bowling league, that which he continued until the end of season this spring. In the summer, he could often be found on the golf course with friends Wally, Ed, John, and Rev. Ritchie. These were days he looked forward to each year and enjoyed immensely. If he wasn’t on the golf course, Sandy could usually be found at the race track watching harness racing. He spent many summers travelling the Maritimes with his good friend (late) Russell Newman.

A true Cape Bretoner, Sandy had an interest in his Scottish roots and a deep love for fiddle music, especially that of Buddy MacMaster. His interest in history extended locally where he was a long standing member of the North Sydney Historical Society.  He was a faithful member of St. Giles Presbyterian Church in North Sydney.

He is survived by his daughter Christine (Terry) Brown, his son James (Pauline), son-in-law Charlie Matthews, his loving grandchildren Courtney Smith, Megan (Kenneth) MacQueen, and Jamie Marie MacLeod, special nephew Gerald (Roberta) MacBurnie, his brother Bill (Mary), sister Verna MacLeod, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Margaret “Peggy” (Ferguson) MacLeod, his daughter Sandra Matthews, his sister Kathryn (Jerry) MacBurnie, grandson-in-law Trevor Smith, along with Ferguson brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Visitation for Sandy will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday in the WJ Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at St. Giles Presbyterian Church with Rev. Ritchie Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in Lakeside Cemetery, North Sydney. Memorial donations may be made to St. Giles Presbyterian Church or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com

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