26 Oct 1945 William MacPherson
On Friday, October 26, 1945, there passed away in the Halifax Infirmary, William MacPehrson, New Glasgow. His death was peaceful, resigned and edifying, a fitting close to a life so well lived in preparation for a cherished goal. Two hours before he died he reverently received the last sacraments, and for the remaining time in appreciation of that great reward and in hopeful anticipation of the far greater one that is foretold, he quietly awaited the end. Born sixty-eight years ago in Georgeville, Antigonish Co., Mr MacPherson and family later moved to New Glasgow where he was employed with the bridge and building department of the C.N.R. railway. Although he left the home of his birth, the heritage of Christian virtue passed on to him there was neither squandered nor underestimated, but colored his life more and more profoundly with advancing years. That heritage he centralized into his three major and daily devotions: Holy Mass, visit to the Blessed Sacrament, and the family Rosary. Of the family born on the old homestead two remain, a brother Rod in New Denver, B.C., and a sister, Mrs. Mary MacDonald, Dunvegan, Inverness Co. On Monday, October 29, the funeral was held in St. John’s Church, New Glasgow. The Mass was said by Father R.A. MacDonald, Mabou, a nephew of the deceased , assisted by Father George MacDonald, New Glasgow, as deacon, and Father Charles MacDonald, Lourdes, as sub-deacon. Father D.R. Chisholm, P.P., New Glasgow, was master of ceremonies. Service at the grave was conducted by Father Chisholm. The pall-bearers were Angus J. MacDonald, Hugh MacKinnon, John G. MacDonald, Dan D. MacDonald, Dan R. Forbes and Bernard MacDonald. William MacPherson lies buried a stone’s throw from the home that he made happy, hospitable and Christian. Of the household there remain his wife, nee Catherine MacKenzie, four sons and three daughters: John Hugh, and Dougals at home; Joseph in Holland; Roderick at Debert; Anne in Montreal; Catherine and Margaret at home. They, like a host of other relatives and friends, are saddened by his death, but fortified by the abiding memory of the exemplary life that he lived, and the pious death that he died.