Obituary of Ronald Charles “Pud” MacGillivray

We are so very sad to announce the death of Ronald Charles (Pud) MacGillivray on December 30, 2023.  He was born in Antigonish on October 15, 1947 to Ronald Francis and Helen (Kelly) MacGillivray. His idyllic childhood was spent on The Heights and later on Hillcrest St. 

In the mid-60’s he was a popular fixture at Braeside Bowling, well known for his shenanigans while employed there. The 70’s saw him participate in entrepreneurial ventures such as Jim’s One Stop and Music N’Things. 

He found his true calling when he launched Ron MacGillivray Accounting Services where he and Linda served a wide variety of local needs for almost 35 years. The “World Headquarters” was on Main Street under Pizza Delight, but business was often conducted from booths at Wongs and Farmer Brown’s, or between passing vehicles on Main St, routinely holding up traffic. So many people dropped by to chat with Pud that the light was often seen shining from the office windows at 3 am, when “Ol’ Loophole” could get some real work done.  We are fairly confident that there are CRA agents raising a glass to his memory and telling stories of how he ‘bested’ them, appealing to their humour and humanity for the sake of his beloved clients. 

His love of the culture and music of Nova Scotia defined him, either through his attendance at the Royal NS International Tattoo for 43 years (often several performances a year), his time as a devoted pipe band parent or simply in blasting CJFX’s Ceilidh through the open windows of the Pudmobile while bringing his embarrassed teenagers to their evening activities. 

When he became a grandparent, his chosen moniker of “Grumpie” was the exact opposite of his demeanour. His grandchildren will remember his sense of humour, as he often arrived at holiday celebrations in costume (with honourable mention to the Halloween baboon-butt pants and the St. Patrick’s Day leprechaun outfit). His quick wit and imagination somehow made an accounting office a fun place to visit.

Pud was so generous and selfless—the list is endless. He was first on the scene with coffee or food after a death, he did innumerable tax returns for next to nothing, he listened to problems and filled out paperwork completely unrelated to clients’ financial issues. He drove so many people to where they needed to be—work, school, the airport, the ferry terminal or a city five hours away in a blizzard for a son to see his dying father, to name just a few.

He was truly a devoted son, nephew and ex-in-law, caring lovingly for his elders and their properties. He lived a life of self-sacrifice so that his children could thrive.

He is survived by his children Jeannie (Gary), Washington State; Keith (Tracy), Stony Plain, AB; and David (Tanya), Leduc, AB; grandchildren Aevan, Cian, Lucy and Charlotte, his siblings Barbara (Frank) Moeller; Carol Ann Campbell;  Richard (Lorraine); and Andrew (Karen); former wife Laura MacGillivray; uncle Fr. Angus MacGillivray;  aunts Vivian Maturi and Jean MacGillivray. He was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Peggy (O’Connell) and beloved brother-in-law Les Campbell. 

Sincerest gratitude to the phenomenal staff at The Maples, Dr. Rice and the palliative care team, and a special thank you to Leo MacDonald, Lori Spinks and Harley Linkletter who have been such caring friends when he needed you most. 
 

Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Friday, January 5, 2024. Funeral mass 11 am Saturday in St. Ninian Cathedral. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice (since judging by his drawer of receipts, he clearly did not discriminate and appears to have donated to most of them).