Obituary of Patrick MacInnis

We are sad to share that our brother, Malcolm Patrick MacInnis, died suddenly in Moncton, New Brunswick, on September 4, 2025.

Patrick came into the world on September 25, 1965, in Sydney, Nova Scotia, the seventh of eight children to Malcolm and Marie MacInnis — and a rebel from the jump.

With his platinum hair, impish grin and persuasive charm, the Blonde Bomber was undeniably charismatic, and inevitably drawn to trouble.

In junior high, he organized a student walkout (over what no one recalls), achieving hero status with his classmates, although the teachers probably didn’t see it that way. Whether it was this act of rebellion or another, it set the tone for a long series of scrapes with authority.

Patrick’s journey had many winding turns, and often found him wrestling demons. Despite challenges with addiction and the law, he always kept a spark of optimism, even on the darkest days.

We suspect that fire was lit as a teenager, when he and his cousin R.J. nabbed his brother Paul’s VW Beetle for a joyride, upending it in a nearby ditch minutes after hitting the road. The boys managed to flip the car right-side up, and after careful inspection, Patrick proudly reported, “There’s not a dent or scratch on it.” His sense of humour was often his saving grace.

Like his cousin Joanie, Pat was a Bruins fan from the cradle, and he was ecstatic when Boston beat the Canucks 4–3 to win the Stanley Cup in 2011. Hockey was his passion, and the ability of this former minor league goalie to recite player stats was impressive.

Patrick’s working years were few, but he spoke fondly of his time at Vosman’s farm and on others around the province. He was most himself in these moments, caring for the creatures and the land.

Recently, Pat made his home in Moncton, sharing a (mostly) quiet life with his cherished guinea pig, Spike.

When Patrick was seven or eight years old, he wrote a story about a town in peril, with Pat Cowboy riding in on his trusty horse to save the day. He never got to be the hero of his young imagination, but he left his mark on those of us who loved him — as a brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend.

Patrick is survived by sisters Margaret and Patricia (Steven Bass), brothers Mark (Teresa Gillis), Paul (Liz Bland), Brian, Adam, sister-in-law Mary, and many special cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Marie “Andy,” father Malcolm, brothers Andrew and David, niece Molly, Grandma Esther, Grampy Andy and several beloved aunts and uncles. 

The family offers sincere thanks to Dr. Droury and the ER and Intensive Care teams at the Campbellton Regional Hospital for their compassionate care, as well as Dr. Doiron and the ICU team at George Dumont Hospital in Moncton.

A special thank you to Melody and the team at New Brunswick Organ Donation Program for explaining the process with such care and sensitivity.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. A private service for the family will be held at later date.

The road is long, with many a winding turn. 
He ain’t heavy, he's my brother.