Ronald "Brassy" MacPherson

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Ronald Lloyd "Brassy" MacPherson. Brassy died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, December 31, 2019, in Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Sydney at the age of 87.

Brassy is survived by his loving wife, Erna; sons, Stuart (wife, Celeste) and Calum (wife, Kelly); grandchildren, Dakota, Cameron, Abby and Rachael; sisters, Lillian and Julia (husband, Terry); brother, Malcolm; and a close-knit extended family. He was a devoted and beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.

Born in Dominion, NS, he was the son of the late Malcolm and Lorna MacPherson.

In his youth, Brassy spent summers working in the coal mines at collieries No. 2 and 26 and life guarding on Baddeck Island – something for which he held a long affinity. Brassy graduated from Teachers College in Truro and went on to have an illustrious career in education that began in Baddeck and continued in Sydney. Brassy had many talents as an educator, but he had a special passion and love for Special Education – going above and beyond to improve the educational experience for children with different challenges. He served on the board of Horizon Achievement Centre for many years.

A strong athlete in his own right, Brassy was a great fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Brooklyn Dodgers. He spent many hours in the rinks of Cape Breton coaching minor hockey, on the diamonds coaching baseball and running youth programs for junior golf.  Brassy held a long membership with the Riverview Y's Men that involved many community programs. His passion for music led him to singing in the Keltic Chorus and several Rotary musical productions. Brassy was a man of many interests and talents including, jewelry making, baking, cooking, love of travel, woodworking, painting, stained glass and weaving and he was a captivating storyteller. Over the course of his life, he created many objects of beauty that continue to be cherished by the family and friends who were lucky enough to receive them.

Brassy will be best known for his warm, radiant smile, extreme generosity and love for his family and friends. Above all else, Brassy lived his life with patience and kindness and was an example to us all.

Our family would like to thank the many people involved with Brassy's long battle with Alzheimer’s starting with Dr. Mark Sampson at the beginning, Dr. Coakley and all the wonderful care givers at Harbourstone who made his stay so comfortable.

Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Friday, January 3 from 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held at the United Protestant Church of Sydney River on Saturday, January 4 at 2 p.m., with Rev. Dana Feltmate officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia, the Horizon Achievement Centre or a charity of your choice.

Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca

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