Caleb William MacArthur

Caleb William MacArthur

It is with heavy hearts and broken souls that we announce the passing of our brave little warrior, Caleb William MacArthur of Sydney. He was born April 21, 2011, and was the dearly loved son of Nicole Forgeron and Mike MacArthur.

On the evening of March 24, 2015, our precious angel returned peacefully into the loving arms of Our Heavenly Father, and in that moment, Heaven shone brighter and more beautifully than ever before. His final days were spent at home, his favorite place on Earth, doing the things that he loved to do, and surrounded by beloved family and friends.

Caleb was happiest when playing with his "big sisters", Ella and Aubreigh ("the girls"), and his best buddy, Kaden, all of whom he idolized. He was adored by his younger brother and sister, Lauchlin and Emery ("the twins"), who smothered him with hugs and kisses every day. All five of our children were the best of friends, perfect playmates, who together, filled our home with the gifts of joy, love, and laughter.

Since he was a toddler, Caleb had always embraced life's simple pleasures -- throwing rocks in the water, shovelling snow, playing in the dirt, sailing in Grampy's boat. Caleb was a born-athlete who loved sports, especially hockey and golf. From the time he was old enough to stand, he was shooting pucks and swinging clubs with amazing power and precision. Above all, Caleb loved superheroes, and he was a true super hero in every sense of the word. Each day, he would proudly sport one of his many pairs of super hero pajamas.

He also had a large collection of weapons (including one very special sword) that he was not afraid to use. Thanks to Children's Wish Foundation, Caleb's dream to meet the superheroes in Disney World came true this past January. It was the trip of the lifetime for Caleb, and our entire family! It was there that we discovered his true love of adventure, watching his face light up as he conquered every roller coaster he could find. Most recently, Caleb enjoyed more quiet activities, like playing the Wii with Daddy and his big sisters, and special time with Mommy (story time, snuggles, and lullabies).

He had the face of an angel -- his bright blue-grey eyes that sparkled when he smiled; the slight dimples in his cheeks; his wavy, shaggy "rockstar" locks that later turned into the most beautiful bald head; and of course, his crooked little grin, which was best known to those closest to him.

His outward beauty was equally matched by his inner strength -- his undeniable courage and his unbreakable spirit were complemented perfectly by his beautiful heart, his gentle soul, his humble disposition. He was the best of both worlds, the perfect balance of tender and "tough". Depending on the challenge, Caleb could be gentle as a lamb -- sweet and mild -- or ferocious as a lion -- with a feisty spirit and fierce roar that could be heard from afar.

Aside from his parents and siblings, Caleb is survived by his grandparents, Bill and Audrey Forgeron ("Gram and Grampy"), Charlene ("Nana") and Danny MacPherson, his great-grandmother, Marion MacLeod ("Nan") and "friend", Jim Snow, his aunts and uncles, Shelley and Terry, Peter, Michelle and Scott, and cousins, Cate, Jena, Carter, and the newest addition, Baby Riley Layne Caleb (who Caleb affectionately nicknamed "Cow" before her birth),as well as many other "great" aunts and uncles, extended family, and friends who loved him with all their hearts.

Caleb spent many months at the IWK Children's Hospital ("6-Link" and "6-North Clinic"), and the "Peds Unit" at our "home hospital", Cape Breton Regional, as well as some time at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto. There, he captured the hearts of all the doctors, nurses, and support staff he encountered. These were more than just "institutions", as they thankfully became our "homes away from home", and the medical staff became our family, loving and caring for Caleb as if he was their own child. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.

A very special thank-you to Dr. Conrad Fernandez, Caleb's Primary Oncologist, and the oncology team at the IWK; Dr. Katie Kellock and Dr. Andrew Lynk (Caleb's Pediatricians), Dr. Danuta Kajetanowicz and Dr. Robert Cohen (Family Physicians), Mickey and his Peds team -- Andrea, Tara, and all the amazing nurses and support staff ; the Palliative Care team (Susan and Kelly), all of the Child Life Specialists (Tracy, Chantell, Carol), and to Buddington the Clown, who could make Caleb smile on even the toughest of days.

In the "3 & 3/4" years that he graced us with his presence, Caleb taught us so many life lessons that will comfort and inspire us in the very difficult days ahead. While he was taken from us far too soon, we truly cherished every moment of our time with him, from the big family Wish Trip to DisneyWorld, to the long days at the hospital where we watched movies and played "guys", and most importantly, being at home, united, as a family of seven. He was the light and love of our lives, and an inspiration to all who knew him -- a true warrior, who fought his battle, tirelessly and fearlessly, with such dignity, courage, strength, and determination. "You endured the fight of your life, Caleb, and you never gave up! In our eyes, you are victorious! So raise your sword up strong and proud! Fly high and shine bright! We love you with every ounce of our being! We are so proud of you, Caleb, and are honoured, privileged, and blessed to call you our son. Have fun in the playgrounds of Heaven!"

A celebration of Caleb's life will take place at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Sydney River, on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 1 pm, followed by a reception in the church basement.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the IWK Foundation, the Pediatrics Unit at the Regional, or Children's Wish Foundation. Memories and condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.twcurry.com