James Gerard MacTaggart

James Gerard MacTaggart

North Sydney

 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, Gerard MacTaggart, age 68, on Monday, July 12, 2021 after a battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Born in North Sydney on October 20, 1952, Gerard was the son of the late Johnston “Dontey” and Frances (Devison) MacTaggart. 

Gerard was well known for his skills and knowledge as a mechanic. Chances are that at any given time you could find him, hands grease covered, under the hood of a friend’s or family member’s vehicle.

Gerard’s pride and joy were his two wonderful sons, James and Matt, who both inherited some of their dad’s interest and skills in mechanics. Gerard adored his beautiful grandchildren, Dayton, Lexi, Abbie, and R.J. Some of Gerard’s very last laughs and smiles were a result of the joy brought to him by these beautiful children.  Gerard enjoyed having friends and family around and always made sure that Mary, his devoted wife was close by.  Family cannot express the heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Mary, her unending devotion, love and care of Gerard during his illness.  Gerard fought a hard fight with Parkinson’s over the last years of his life and was so fortunate to have the love and support of his family who were always there for him. 

Gerard is survived by his devoted loving wife Mary Almon, his son Matthew (Cassie) MacTaggart, his grandchildren Dayton, Lexi, Abbie and R.J., his brother Johnny (Vicki), sisters Mary Rose Rideout, Donna Swan (Albert), Debbie Dunphy, Maureen MacTaggart (Bernie) and Darlene MacTaggart (Joe), nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Gerard was predeceased by his oldest son James MacTaggart.

The family would like to thank Palliative Care, the Northside Homemakers, Red Cross and the VON for the care they gave Gerard and the laughs and smiles during his illness.  Special thanks to Dianne Huntley and also Heather from Northside Homemakers.

Visitation for Gerard will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday with a funeral service to be held at 11:00 a.m. in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney with Deacon David Lewis officiating. Limited seating for the service and Covid-19 restrictions will be followed with the wearing of masks and social distancing. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bras d’Or.  Memorial donations may be made to Parkinson Society of Canada or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com.

“My candle burns at both ends,

It will not last the night.

But, ah my foes and oh, my friends,

It gives a lovely light!”

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