Obituary of Andrew MacInnis

Stephen Andrew MacInnis died at home in Mabou, N.S. on November 15, 2022.

Born November 20, 1957, in Antigonish, N.S. to Malcolm and Marie MacInnis, Andrew was the third of eight children, growing up in St. Andrew’s in Antigonish county.

Andrew was an astute student of life and a voracious reader who loved ideas and jumped at the chance to debate anyone — any time — on any topic. He was at times intense and silly, restless and content. Always curious. Loved a good road trip, especially the long and winding kind.

His powers of persuasion were legendary: With no formal training or experience, he convinced the chef of a fancy Victoria, B.C. restaurant to hire him as a sous-chef after wowing him with a bearnaise sauce.

Over the years, Andrew worked at different jobs — building fine furniture, as a residential painter, and later as a personal care worker supporting palliative patients. He was especially proud of this chapter.

Andrew faced many health challenges, but counted himself lucky because he had a warm place to hang his hat, friends who tolerated his larger-than-life personality and a vintage whip — Black Betty — that was his pride and joy, on and off the highway. He was a teller of grand tales, a spellbinding guitar player and the guy you wanted on your team in any match of wits.

Andrew is survived by his father Malcolm, siblings David (Mary Chisholm), Margaret, Mark (Teresa Gillis), Paul (Liz Bland), Patricia (Steven Bass), Patrick (Angie Richardson), Brian and Adam Chisholm along with many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and aunts. He will be forever missed by longtime mates Jeannie MacEachern, Frankie MacDonnell, Catherine Mae MacDonald, Peter MacEachern and Graham MacKenzie. Andrew was predeceased by his mother, his goddaughter/niece Molly and several uncles.

Cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will be held later. If you would like to honour Andrew’s memory, the family requests that you buy a lottery ticket for someone who could use a little luck in their life. Seriously. He would love that!