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Alistair MacLeod
1935 - 2014
Alistair MacLeod
1935 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1935
DIED
2014
Alistair MacLeod Obituary
Recognized as one of the world's finest fiction writers, his stories have been translated into 17 languages and are treasured by readers around the globe. An Officer of the Order of Canada and a Fellow of the Royal Society, he was the first Canadian to win the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award for his
1999 novel, No Great Mischief. His short stories, deeply rooted in the experience and landscape of Cape Breton Island, are considered timeless masterpieces of the form. For more than 30 years, he was a dedicated and much-loved professor of literature and creative writing at the University of Windsor. Although his many achievements made him an internationally recognized figure, he remained throughout his life, a humble and peaceful man, and a quiet, but tireless supporter of others.
A lover of family, friends, music, sports, culture, history and fun, Alistair loved a good joke and never missed an opportunity to celebrate life's gifts. He enriched the lives of all who knew him and though his passing creates a void that will never be filled, his example and his memory are gifts of immeasurable value that will never be forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Holy Name of Mary Conference, Saint Vincent de Paul Society or The Saint Margaret of Scotland Cemetery Fund.
Visitation will be held Monday 7-9pm and Tuesday 2-5pm & 7-9pm with Parish Prayers at 7:30pm at
Families First 3260 Dougall Ave. South Windsor, 519-969-5841.
Visitation will continue Thursday 7-9pm and Friday 2-4pm & 7-9pm at Inverness Funeral Home 45 Macisaac Street, Inverness, NS. (902) 258-2333.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 11am at his beloved Saint Margaret of Scotland Church, Broad Cove, Cape Breton with Fr. Duncan MacIsaac officiating. Burial in the Parish cemetery. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date at Our Lady of Assumption Church in Windsor, Ontario.
Share memories, photos or make a donation online at www.FamiliesFirst.ca
"All of us are better when we're loved."
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76 Entries
Claire Massicotte
April 15, 2019
I must say he was a wonderful man, his wife and children were always so helpful in the community, it was great seeing them all at Holy Name of Mary parish in Windsor, ON
Simone Comeau
April 15, 2019
To this day I still have fond memories of Alistair ( Mr. MacLeod ) as we called him in our English class. He was a very good teacher and my mother tongue being French I was impressed by his command of the English language. Rest in peace Mr. MacLeod. Simone Comeau class of '64 Teachers' College.
Chris Vennettilli
May 18, 2014
So, I just got the news the other day that Alistair MacLeod died at the age of 77 on April 20th, 2014. To a writer, the loss of someone that has become well known for their craft and at the same time served as something of a national symbol is positively heartbreaking. Mr. MacLeod's work was an excellent example of Canadian literature, as well as writing in general. His presence at the University of Windsor ever since 1969 every year for almost all of the year except when he went back to his Cape Breton home in the summer showed that he really cared about other people's writing and was more than willing to help improve the work of others.
I had the opportunity to actually see Mr. MacLeod once. I believe it was in the previous year where I was invited to attend an English department get-together at the University of Windsor. I had only heard about the man in the time before this, so seeing such a distinguished author in person would have been the equivalent to seeing a famous movie star or maybe even a politician. I had the opportunity to hear Mr. MacLeod speak and read excerpts from one of his books, but I was unable to go up and personally thank him for his service to art and creativity as I had to unexpectedly leave. However, that brief moment that I had time to sit in the same room with this man allowed me a brief insight into his soul and perhaps even into the very nature of creation. Why do writers write? Why do painters paint? Why do the musicians manipulate their instruments to make beautiful and pleasing noises? The ancient Greeks believed that the spirit of creativity itself was working its way through us, and that we were able to even grasp the thinnest shadow of it, and commit it to the material. It was imperfect, but it was a window into the divine.
That's what I see writing as, along with the rest of the arts: a window into something greater than ourselves, and that we should be fortunate to even be able to glance upon it. The loss of a great writer such as Alistair MacLeod is tragic to those far and wide; to those within the borders of Canada, and indeed those outside of it. The loss of a writer is a loss of a window into the beauty of creation, and we are saddened by it. However, despite his mortal passing, he will remain with us for all eternity through his words, through his memories, and through his contributions to literary society. I wish you well, Alistair MacLeod. Wherever you are, know that we have not, and will not forget you.
Marlyce Swinnerton
May 10, 2014
Dear Anita and family,
I am so sorry I won't be able to attend the memorial service next Saturday as I'll be out of town. Please contact me as the DVD's of
"In The Fall" are ready and I'd like to deliver them to you.
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Marguerite , Leonard Beaton & family
April 30, 2014
So sorry to learn of your huge loss,Alistair. My mom,Flora MacLellan and dear Andrew ,often spoke of the enjoyable visits they shared with you Anita ,and with Alistair at your welcoming home in Dunvegan and the countless visits to their home in Glenville.It is very special for you all to hold those fond memories and to treasure the simple,but genuine time you spent together.God Bless & Peace to you,Anita and family.
Donna Morrissey
April 30, 2014
Anita, Alexander, I am so sorry. He was so kind to me and gentle. And I regret I couldn't be there at his celebration, illness kept me away. My heartfelt blessings to you and the rest of your family.
Estelle Janega
April 28, 2014
Dear Alex, Crystal and MacLeod family,
I am saddened to hear the news of your father's passing. In the many heartfelt tributes written here, a kind and humble nature shines through. Both my aunts had met him in Cape Breton over the years and were so proud to claim him as a fellow Cape Bretoner. My sincere condolences
April 28, 2014
Our deepest condolences go to Anita and all of Alistair's family at this time. Anita will remember a midwinter trip to a conference in the Bavarian Alps in 1985, which took place while Alistair and I were both on temporary assignments as Visiting Scholars at the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Canadian Studies -- he from Windsor, I from York. Great food, fairy-tale winter scenery, and stimulating companions! Alistair and I bought ourselves sporty Bavarian hats, hunter green with jaunty feathers. We looked like the locals -- until Alistair quickly and predictably reverted to his familiar cap! Happy memories like this one must always be kept in mind.
John and Gloria Marshall (Halifax, NS)
Heather Taylor
April 26, 2014
Dear MacLeod family,
Among the many notes and messages you are receiving at this time, I too needed to let you know that I'm truly praying for you all. My words really cannot express how deeply, deeply sorry I am for your loss.
Lesa MacNeil
April 26, 2014
My heartfelt condolences are sent to you all. I have many fond memories and will cherish them. I loved his visits to the canteen with all the kids for an ice cream. Take care everyone.
Eric Doucet
April 26, 2014
Dear MacLeod family, I was so shocked to hear about the passing of Alistair. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss.
Karen Hirtle
April 26, 2014
May your memories comfort you as you mourn the loss of husband,father and grandfather.
ted porteous
April 26, 2014
Anita. My thoughts have been with you and your family since your loss.
My heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences go to you and your wonderful family at this sad time.
Ted Porteous, Halifax
Andrew Flemings
April 26, 2014
Anita and Family;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time of loss. We will miss seeing him at the homestead on our trips to Dunvegan.
Sincerely,
Andrew (cousin to Anita), Pearl and Kendra Flemings
April 26, 2014
Dear Anita and Family,
I am so very sorry I am unable to attend the final farewell to Alistair. Please accept my heartfelt condolence in verse...
- Fond Memories -
Back when you ran through green fields
as a child
Where the sun in your face, made often,
one smile and
now you returned to the place of your youth
To be with the angels on Cape Breton Isle.
Welcome Home Alistair.
With Greatest Love,
Aunt Chris
Eileen Mackinnon
April 26, 2014
Deepest condolences to the MacLeod family at this time of great sorrow. My thoughts are with you . Eileen MacKinnon Halifax/DeepDale
Kaye Swain
April 26, 2014
Dear Anita and family,
Our deepest condolences to you all at this sad time. I'm reminded of my Mom's funeral and hearing you and some others speaking Gaelic at the grave site. That meant a lot to me. Thank you.
It's a sad time but the Lord will see you through. Lean on Him.
God bless you all.
Love,
Kaye (MacRae) Swain, Fred
David, Stephen and Matthew
Marie Cash
April 25, 2014
Dear Anita and family ,I was so sorry to hear of your great loss...my deepest condolences to all . Unfortunately I am unable to attend the visitation or funeral Mass but wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers .God bless !I will be in touch . Marie (Mac Pherson) Cash
Catheine (John Walter) MacLeod
April 25, 2014
Dear Anita and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Alistair will be sorely missed by those how had the good fortune to have met him.
Catherine (John Walter) MacLeod
Antigonish, N.S.
Catherine (John Walter) MacLeod
April 25, 2014
Dear Anita and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Alistair will be sorely missed by all those who had the good fortune to have met him.
Beth Humber
April 25, 2014
I was so happy to have met Alistair and his gracious wife last summer in his beloved Inverness on the occasion of Alex's birthday. We shared in the Simon and Garfunkle tradition. A very special memory.
April 25, 2014
Dear Anita and Family. I was so sad to hear about Alistair's untimely passing. We had wept shoulder to shoulder when you lost a child, and he lovingly edited and published Naomi's poetry posthumously. You both understood. Teaching with him at UofW was always a lot of fun, and reconnecting with him at later book readings in Waterloo and Halifax always rekindled the warm memories I have of him. Bob and I are diminished by his loss. Yours is unimagineable. Love and condolences, Bob Mills and Helga (Kutz-Harder) Mills
April 25, 2014
Our condolences to the MacLeod family on the passing of Alistair. The whole world mourns him. He was a great example of a great man. So humble also.
Shared a year at Teachers College 1955/56.
Lucille Amirault
April 25, 2014
Dear Alexander and Family,
My deepest sympathy to you and all your family. What a beautiful day to die and experience the new life our God has ready for us. Your dad is at peace and went with his hands full of good works. Be assured of my prayers as it is a great loss for all. Sister Cecilia Mac Neil S.C.H.
April 25, 2014
Dear family,
I add my sincere condolences on the loss of a dearly loved, and integral part of your family. I did not know this man, but I have been fortunate enough to have met his son, Dan and his wife Amy and have looked after his grandson, Alistair...who I am sure has been named after his dear grandfather.I have read about this gentle man, who was so dearly loved, and if I could have had a moment to speak to him, I would have liked to have told him that he has raised a fine son, one who seems to have the gentle characteristics of his father. I am so sorry I did not have the opportunity to tell him this. But you as his family, can rest assured, that his legacy will live on, in the lives of you, his family.
With Love, Bev McLean
April 25, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the family of Alstair MacLeod, I knew him as my English teacher at Nova Scotia Teachers College 1962-63.He was a wonderful person. We were looking forward to seeing him at our 50th class reunion this summer.
sincères condoléances
Rose Marie (Robichaud) Doucet
April 25, 2014
Dear MacLeod Family, I was deeply moved by the news of M. MacLeod's passing. He was my English teacher at Teachers' College (62-63). I feel so fortunate to have been taught by such a devoted person. We were all looking forward to meeting him again at our reunion(50 years) this coming August. My deepest sympathies to everyone. He will be dearly missed but fondly remembered for his humility and literary greatness. My prayers. Simone Comeau class of 64.
Kara Smith
April 25, 2014
Anita, a graidh, Alistar use to say that he always wished for time to write, but when he actually got it, he "was too lonesome for home to think of anything else." Today, Ruaidh, Seumas, Niall & I will raise a glass to the smiling man we would see before every square set.
Bill and Andrea MacEachern
April 25, 2014
Anita, Alexander and family,
We just wanted to send along our condolences to you all during this difficult time.
We have fond memories of seeing you in Inverness County at the road races each summer. I still remember working with Anita at the registration table and Alistair coming in the arena. I had said to her " Anita, is that Alistair MacLeod, I cant believe it." I was in awe of this man who I felt I knew because of reading his collection.
Anita looked at me with this puzzled look on her face and said "Yes, that is my husband and Alex's father".
To this day I still smile at that, he had such a presence. What a gentleman.
Billy and I will keep you all in our prayers.
GOD SPEED!
Jerry Trites
April 25, 2014
One of the kindest and humblest men I have ever known
Hugh Allan Maclellan
April 24, 2014
my deepest sympathy to Anita and family. Alistair has touched the world with his humble example and kindness . His legacy will live on . Hold Fast
April 24, 2014
I was deeply saddened by the news of Alistair MacLeod's passing.He was my English literature teacher at Teachers College(1962-1963).Also I was fortunate to speak with him during his visit at St Anns University,Church Point,when our son was a student. We were looking forward to seeing him again this summer at our fiftieth Teachers College Alumni .I shall not forget his quote"All of us are better when we are loved"as it is so true and very meaningful for everyone.
Sincères condoléances,
Claudette(Deveau)Comeau
Joan Gillis
April 24, 2014
Anita & Family: I was saddened to learn of the passing of Alistair, a
wonderful humble man. My husband Bill and I enjoyed visits to your home in Inverness - the only time Bill didn't look at his watch and tell me he was
ready to leave when I was! Bill enjoyed his genealogical connection to
both of you. I do hope the love and prayers of family and friends will
lift you up in this time of sorrow.
My brother (Bill Wiseman and wife Margie) wanted to add their
condolences as well. I believe they hosted you when Alistair received
the Hon. degree from CBU. They are away at the moment.
Sincerely Joan(Wiseman) Gillis, Antigonish
April 24, 2014
Alexander-deeply saddened at your great loss. Bob Pembroke
April 24, 2014
To the MacLeod Family,
Thank you for sharing your beloved Alistair with us during his years in Windsor. So many have so proudly claimed him as their very own friend, teacher, mentor, writer and celebrity, and will continue to do so, forever, as he will never be forgotten. But Alistair was all of that to us because he was everything to you, and you to him, his most cherished. Keeping you in thoughtful prayer, Judy & Joel Bezaire, Windsor, Ontario
April 24, 2014
Although I live on Peaks Island, Maine, I spend my summers in Pubnico, Nova Scotia in my father's village. I met Alistair MacLeod, whose books I had grown to love, while living for awhile in San Francisco and it was there that I met him when he gave a reading in a bookstore called Clean Well Lighted Place. There were maybe twenty people at the reading and he was introduced wearing his signature snap-brim hat and tweed jacket and apologized for having a bit of a cold and then recited from memory the first paragraph of the story he was then to read to us. He had me there at that, of course, and I loved the reading and later lined up to have my book, Island, signed and I said that I spent my summers in Pubnico and he said that he passed through the Pubnicos on his way home to Cape Breton and I said that only this morning I had been reading one of his stories at the kitchen table and had started to cry and he looked up at me and said,"Well and that's not a bad thing is it now, lassie?" And because no one had ever asked me that question in quite that way, I said no and it probably is the first time I admitted aloud that crying over a great and beautifully written story is a good and possible a redemptive act. Thank you, Alistair MacLeod. No doubt I'll shed a few more tears this summer while reading your work again and feel gratitude for your presence.
Nicole d'Entremont
Peaks Island, Maine
Joyce Rankin
April 23, 2014
What a loss to Cape Breton and to all of Canada. His writing and his example opened up a whole new creative vein here in Cape Breton, and for that we are most grateful. But he was also a part of the community, and exemplified many of the traditional Gaelic virtues. Alistair was truly a gentleman and a scholar, and many are saddened to lose him.
Barb Brassard
April 23, 2014
Condolences to Anita and family - Alistair and family were always so gracious to the Little Family - how mom loved you and the fun times (music and stories) we won't forget the hospitality shown us at your home in Dunvegan - Celtic Week will not be the same - thanks for the memories in Cape Breton and Toronto - the Macleods and the Littles always showed the love of family and togetherness - God Bless
Barb Brassard nee Little
50° Alumni Dinner 2010 St.Francis Xavier University
Mary Janet MacIsaac-Munari
April 23, 2014
To Anita and family, my sincere condolences for your immeasurable loss. Surely he resides in the hearts of many.
D'Arcy Templeton
April 23, 2014
I know Alistair loved walking down Sandwich Street and meeting up with
his chums for a pint at the Dominion House. He was acknowledged as the best
storyteller in Sandwich and aside from
all his world fame I think he would be
pleased to be remembered as a fine storyteller at his local, no doubt with a grin on his face. Keep his memory alive, have a pint and think
carefully about what your writing he
sure did. Don't spill your pint or your
words all over a page, writing takes
work and concentrated thought.
Jim and Mary MacMaster
April 22, 2014
The arrival of Alistair,Anita and family in Dunvegan meant the arrival of summer for those of us that lived in the area. Alistair was a very important part of our community; his contributions were great. We are so saddened by this great
Sharon & Noah Ball
April 22, 2014
Dear Mr. Kenneth,
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dale Iwataki
April 22, 2014
Sympathies to Al's family and dearest friends. I knew Al as a English department colleague at Indiana University's Fort Wayne regional campus. He was always the genial, gracious, humorous man who enlivened our faculty meetings back in the late 1960's. We were not aware of his creative writing talents; but we knew he had to re-write his PhD dissertation because the original had been stolen. I knew him as an avid hockey fan who frequented a local tavern called the Shady Nook where the Fort Wayne Comets, a local minor league hockey team, used to hang out. We watched a game or two on TV when CBS used to broadcast NHL games on Sundays. We all regretted his leaving our department; but, as we now know, he did go on to better things -- writing prize winning fiction, winning a wife and siring children that blessed him a hundred fold.
Laurie Walton
April 22, 2014
Alex and family. Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your dad. Just reading all the tributes to him in this book tell the story of what an amazing man he was. Take comfort in all your memories. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Rod, Laurie, Sarah and Miranda Walton
Woody Point 2005
Paul and Linda Mooney
April 22, 2014
Dear Anita and Family
We met at Woody Point in 2005 while on a trip to celbrate our 30th wedding anniversary. We too had six children and Alistair was my favourite author. You treated us like old friends. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Paul & Linda Mooney and Family
Debbie Morin
April 22, 2014
Dear Anita and Family,
We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.We were so sadden to hear of your great loss. We have many great memories of Alistair and your family as you were great friends and neighbours when our children were young. We fondly remember the many Halloween's and May back yard fireworks . May you find peace in your many treasured memories in the days to follow. Alistair has touched so many lives with his goodness and humour He will always be remembered. Debbie, Emile and Erick Morin Aka Mr. Smith and Laura Jarvi
Shirley Little & Family
April 22, 2014
Anita and Family
My deepest sympathies with the loss of Alistar. God bless you all.
Phil Senay
April 21, 2014
Anita and Family:
My deepest condolences and sympathy with the passing of Alistair.
May your many happy and cherished memories of Alistair help you through the difficult days ahead.
Alistair was a generous, witty man who touched the lives and the souls of many people.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you Anita and Family, Alistair will be missed.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Lara Grunow
April 21, 2014
Since I first read "The Boat" as part of my grade 9 Language Arts class, it has remained my favourite short story.
As a prairie girl, it brought to life (and oddly romanticized) a landscape that I could only imagine. So wonderful.
Mary McNamara
April 21, 2014
My father and all of us are bereft at the loss of Alistair MacLeod. I know that my father blesses the day that he hired Alistair in 1969 for, in him, he found, not only a scholar and teacher, but a true friend. Alistair joined my father, John Ditsky, Peter Stevens and all of the other brilliant and talented founding fathers of that great department and of the Creative Writing Department. He was a fine, dedicated professor, and a brilliant, nuanced writer. He was also a loving father and husband; his family was truly his main love, his life. He will be remembered by the literary community for his wonderful works, and by his family and friends for his great capacity for love, his humble nature, his delicious and wry sense of humour, his devotion to his beloved Cape Breton, and, perhaps most of all, for his giving and generous spirit. With love and gratitude, Alistair; you will be sorely missed. Anita and family, my love, my condolences, and my prayers, are with you all. God bless.
April 21, 2014
Our sincere sympathy to Anita and Family-Alistair will be missed by all-----Bernie& Peggy Kennedy
Gone but never forgotten.
Linda M. Young
April 21, 2014
Anita and Family, I am so very sorry for your profound loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. Alistair was a wonderful and gentle man, a dedicated family man and an extremely talented writer. I am very proud and honoured to have a family connection to such a remarkable human being. My love to the family, Linda M. Young
Reg. Appleyard
April 21, 2014
~ well,he sure made an impact w. me... my 3'rd yr. @ the U. , i was in the BookStore, & i had the ones i needed for the Course..When the $ Total came, i was short, & couldn't decide on which books i should put back...so, as i was standing there, the man behind me says:"well, you might need those, so, catch up w. me later on ,ok, i'll be @ the Campus,..it's my Course "..needless to say,i walked into my 1'st class,he winked, & my Student Loan came by then,& later on, we quaffed a few @ the DH .. a Wonderful person, that's all i can say, and, it ain't enough ...
Michael Power
April 21, 2014
21 April 2014
Easter Monday
Dear Anita and Family,
May Alistair rest in peace. He lived a life of Christian virtue; he was a great family man; he was warm and welcoming; he wrote like an Evangelist!
Our prayers of comfort are with you.
Michael Power
Sandra Muse
April 21, 2014
Dr. MacLeod was such an inspiration for my creative writing and for my future PhD work. I loved all of the courses I took with him because he was passionate, energetic, and fond of role-playing parts of our 19th century literature so much that he made every class fun. I was fortunate to have him for the Creative Writing grad seminar when I did my masters, and he told me many times how much he loved my storytelling and my poetry, especially when I doubted myself.
Dr. MacLeod knew that I had struggles as a single mother of two, and often asked how my children were. He was always understanding and recognized when I was out of sorts with related problems, and this made school easier. I learned so very much from him about good writing and how to write about what you know so that the passion could shine through.
He was a kind, humble man who was always respectful of others and their culture. He surprised me with his knowledge of my people, the Cherokee, and encouraged me to investigate my Scottish heritage...which I did and am forever grateful to him for doing that. He was happy to hear when I finally went to Scotland and to Cape Breton.
The two books of his that he signed for me are two of my greatest treasures. I cannot express how much he meant to me as a mentor and a friend. I will never forget Dr. MacLeod and all he did for me.
In Cherokee, we say 'denadagohvya', until we meet again.
Have a safe journey home my friend. You will be missed.
Sandy MacDonald
April 21, 2014
Anita, Janet and I wish to pass on our condolences to you and your Family. I will always cherish my memories and friendship with Alistair. Sandy and Janet MacDonald, Calgary
April 21, 2014
I had the wonderful opportunity to Mr. & Mrs Macleod and their children from Holy Name of Mary parish in the 80's and 90's also attend his son weedding on New Years eve at Holy Name of Mary church, what a wonderful family, he will be missed by many, bless his soul, prayers for the family. Claire Massicotte
April 21, 2014
Dear Anita and family, Your family touched my life years ago. You were a young family with the children attending Sacred Heart school in Windsor. I was teaching there at that time. Witnessing the children grow and having such supportive, involved loving parents is a memory I cherish to this day. Your husband and dad lives on through you. Thank you God for Alistair.
May the peace and hope of the Risen Lord be with you. He chose the perfect day to unite with the Lord.
With thoughts of gratitude for his life and prayers for all you.
Sandra Reinhart
Greg Mailloux
April 21, 2014
What a beautiful family you had, Alistair - surely a reflection of their father. I had the pleasure of teaching most of them at Assumption High School. Rest in peace.
Dilla Holland
April 21, 2014
With deep sadness, I share my condolences to Anita and all the family on the loss of this great man.
Bernard Callaghan
April 21, 2014
To the family of Alistair MacLeod,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on Alistair's death.
I first saw Alistair when I was taking my MA in English in 1971-73 at the U. of Windsor.
When I retired from teaching in the early eighties, I met Alistair personally at a writers' workshop in Charlottetown in the early nineties.
After that I met him several times, including at a UPEI convocation.
I shall remember Alistair as a humble, gifted teacher and writer who contributed a masterpiece to Canadian literature: No Great Mischief.
Also in a seminar in Charlottetown, he talked about how a writer should Tune into His Fierceness. This is my motto as I continue to write fiction and articles.
Alistair has left an indelible mark on me as a writer. Truly he was a gifted, humble, kind teacher, writer, husband and father.
With our deepest sympathy. May the Good Lord, The Holy Comforter, be with you always.
Bernard(MA'73) and Shirley Callaghan
Deborah Nash
April 21, 2014
My condolences Anita and family on your loss of Alistair, he will forever be in your memories and will live on through you. God Bless you all in this very difficult time. Debbie MacDougall-Nash
Mary Lou Shafer
April 21, 2014
Alistair, you were definitely one of the good guys. I will miss your smile, sense of humour and yes all those loonies you kept giving me for 25+ years because you were so scared you owed me something. Godspeed my friend.
April 21, 2014
You made an immense contribution to our students at the University of Windsor. You were a great example to faculty as well. Thank You! Condolences to all your children and Anita. Richard F Lewis
Vilma Meloche
April 21, 2014
Dr. Macleod was my Professor back in the 80s and I absolutely loved his classes. He was always animated, loved what he taught and was kind to all his students. Most of all he had a wonderful sense of humour. I will miss knowing that he is on this earth. In his own words, "Goodbye famous person." Only he knows what I mean. Thank you Dr. Macleod
Katherine Quinsey
April 21, 2014
Dear Alistair, You were a very great genius of the human spirit, kind colleague and friend. God keep you and bless you in His peace, and comfort your family in the same. We will miss you so much.
Melissa Hughes
April 21, 2014
My condolences to Alistair's family and friends. He was a wonderful prof! It has been 24 years since I graduated from the U of W but I have often thought about him. He taught with a smile on his face because he truly loved talking about literature and writing. A great loss for students. He was a very nice man who was always friendly and patient with students.
Monica Totten
April 21, 2014
Keneth and family - praying the many fond memories help you through this difficult time. He was such a treasure and will be sadly missed. We will always remember him laughing and his fondness of great music (and Scotch). Todd Porter and Monica Totten. God Bless
Eve Pidgeon
April 21, 2014
With deep sadness, I share my condolences to you on this great loss. Dr. MacLeod taught me for eight years at the University of Windsor...& his teachings never stopped.
He also contributed to who I would become today through the beautiful way he always practiced "straight talk," offering editing & redirection in a way that was always honest, open & direct. I used to wish he was my Dad & on one special day, he served as such.
I had shared with my disabled, home-bound & widowed mother that university did not serve me in my desire to become a famous writer; I was dropping out. Somehow, against amazing odds, the woman who had not left her house without my help in YEARS made it to school to speak with "the only person (I) would listen to." When I was called to Alistair's office, he gave me my revised plan, orders to report regularly with writing, for critique, & my nickname, "Evie Snider, Famous Writer," which he used, warmly & regularly from then on. These are cherished memories.
April 21, 2014
Dear Anita and Family,
Our deepest condolences in this very sad time. I remember that my mother Teresa really enjoyed your friendship. She loved to tell you jokes and share memories of Cape Breton. This is all I remember for now. But I do remember that you came to her funeral, and that would have made her happy. Our family sends you warm regards and deep sympathy for your loss of this very special father, grandfather and husband. Daughter of Teresa,
Angela Tintinalli
John Archie Rankin
April 21, 2014
Godspeed Alistair. What an acoomplished life and beautiful legacy in family and story. Deepest sympathy to you, Anita, and all the family on this very big loss. Fondly remembered by a "MacLeod side" cousin.
Deacon Lawrence MacIsaac
April 21, 2014
I have known Alistair since I was a boy and he would visit his uncle Danny MacLeod each summer. He was a gift to the world, especially to his beloved Cape Breton, but most especially to his family. The world is a better place because we have had Alistair and have known him as a gifted writer. Blessings to Anita and children and grandchildren.
April 21, 2014
ering my deepest condolences Anita and family. He is in my thoughts remembering the times we shared when our children were much younger. What good friends and neighbours. MILLIE wAGNER
Colleen Hendrican
April 21, 2014
I remember Dr.MacLeod lecturing my first year class at the U of W quite a few years ago now. He was enigmatic and drew our attention with ease. I can remember the exact moment I realised just who this man was; I had studied one of his short stories in our English class in high school. In the years that followed, he became a great source of inspiration and knowledge for me. I will never ever forget him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this sad time. Rest in Peace, Dr. MacLeod. And thank you......
Lesa Campbell
April 21, 2014
The world has lost a very great man, father, husband, teacher and mentor. His loss will be deeply felt by many people around the world but especially here in Windsor and in Cape Breton. Our family has had the privilege to get to know Clan MacLeod and we are so fortunate for all those times we spent in their company. May the strong bond of family and friends make this very sad time a little easier. God Bless
Lesa, Greg, Iain, Andrew Pearson
Beth Spence
April 21, 2014
Our deepest condolences on your loss of this great man.
Todd and Beth Spence
(Mother and mother-in-law of Meighen and Mel MacLellan)
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