Obituary of John Allan MacGillivray

John “Bowling Alley” MacGillivray of Morristown passed away peacefully in his 86th year on April 10, 2026, at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, surrounded by his loving family.

Born October 13, 1940, he was the son of the late Daniel and Sadie MacGillivray. A lifelong resident of Morristown, John had a deep love of the water. He was a dedicated lobster fisherman out of Cribbon’s Point Wharf for over 55 years and worked at Braeside Bowling Lanes for 30 years. He took great pride in his work and in providing for his family.

John found joy in the simple things in life. He looked forward to his daily walks to the shore and his evening swims throughout the summer. He firmly believed that salt water could cure all ailments. He always had a project on the go to keep him busy and was well known for striking up conversations
wherever he went, often asking about a person’s genealogy and political beliefs. He was a quiet but steadfast pillar of the Morristown community. A mentor to young and old alike, he offered wisdom, kindness and a listening ear to all.

John is survived by the family he was so deeply proud of: son Allan (Tracy) MacGillivray, Oshawa; daughter Connie (Kevin) MacMillan, Morristown; daughter Laurie (Chris) MacDonald, Head of St. Margaret’s Bay; son Dan (Juanita) MacGillivray, Morristown. There was no time he cherished more than the moments spent with his grandchildren: Andy and TJ; Kevin Dan and Kenzie; Logan and Alyx; Brianna and Rebecca. He also leaves behind the mother of his children and lifelong partner, Audrey MacGillivray. He will be deeply missed by his brother Rod (Norma), Hamilton, and his sisters Jean Hall (Maryland) and Anne MacDonald (Antigonish).

Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his brothers Ray, Doug, AJ, Lawrence, and Donald; his sister Mary Carrigan; and his three children in infancy, John, Colleen, and Paul.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Kerry Butler, VON, Traci O’Donovan, the Palliative Care Unit at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Anne Gavin, Dr. Bates, and Marlene Rankin for their care and compassion.

Visitation will be held from 3–6 p.m. on Tuesday April 14 th in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday April 15 th at 10 a.m. at St. Columba Church, Lakevale. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery.

John will be remembered for his love of the land and the sea, his strong work ethic, his gift for conversation, and the quiet, lasting impact he had on everyone who knew him.

He steered his own ship until he let ‘er go!

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit at St. Martha’s Hospital.