Obituary of Fr. Edward Clement MacIsaac

Reverend Edward Clement MacIsaac, 84, R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, Antigonish; died on May 26, 2014 at St. Martha’s Hospital. Born in Glen Alpine, Antigonish County, he was the son of Angus J. and Mary (MacDonald) MacIsaac. He attended local schools in the area and graduated from Johnstown Academy, Johnstown, Cape Breton. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1954. Father MacIsaac completed his theological studies at Holy Heart Seminary, Halifax; and was ordained to the priesthood in Saint Mary’s Basilica, Halifax on April 13, 1958 by the late Archbishop Gerald Berry. Father MacIsaac served as assistant Parish Priest, New Glasgow; Immaculate Conception Parish, Sydney Mines; and Saint Theresa Parish, Sydney. He served as a member of the Halifax Regional Tribunal, Halifax for several years prior to be appointed Dean of Men at St. Francis Xavier University. He served as Parish Priest of St. Peter Parish, Ingonish; Saint Eugene, Dominion; and St. Andrew Parish, St. Andrews. Upon retirement he took up residence at St. Francis Xavier University and later moved to the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, Antigonish. Father MacIsaac was a very active priest in the Diocese of Antigonish and served on the Council of Priests for three terms, on the Diocesan Personnel Board, and for two terms as a member of the Board of Governors of St. Francis Xavier University. Father MacIsaac was a much loved, appreciated and highly respected Pastor throughout the years of his service in the priesthood in the Diocese of Antigonish. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He is survived by several nephews and nieces: Rob, Phil, Doug (Burlington, Ont.), Chuck (North Bay), Bernard (Iqaluit), Edward (Calgary), Anthony (Timberlea), Jonathan (Ottawa), Michael (Thunder Bay), Mary, Patty, Caron (North Bay), Mary (Halifax), Catherine (Brunei); and sisters-in-law: Rita (Burlington), and Ann (North Bay) and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by brothers: John, Archie, William and Angus R. The body will rest at MacIsaac Funeral Home, Antigonish on Wednesday, May 28th from 2:00-4:00 pm. The remains will be transferred to St. Andrew’s Church, St. Andrew’s for a Bible Vigil at 7:00 pm on Wednesday evening. His wake will continue on Thursday morning in St. Andrew’s Church until the time of the funeral at 2:00 pm on Thursday with Bishop Brian Dunn presiding with priests of the Diocese concelebrating. Burial will follow at Saint. Patrick’s Cemetery, Lochaber. The family would like to express their gratitude to all staff at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home where he resided the past number of years and especially to Nurse Cathy MacPherson. Special thanks to Cousin Ann Marie MacDonald and wonderful friend Fr. John Barry.