Darrin Wayne Mackie

Darrin Wayne Mackie
Gardiner Mines/Sydney

It is with shock and great sadness that, we the family, of Darrin ‘Hector’ Mackie announce his sudden passing on December 31, 2020, at the QE11 in Halifax, after a brief illness. Born March 6, 1966, Darrin was the only son of the late Leo and Anna (Gouthro) Mackie of Gardiner Mines.

Darrin had a larger-than-life personality. He owned every room that he entered, and the party didn’t start until he arrived. Always laughing and making jokes, he left you feeling better after every encounter. He was the “Go To” guy to so many people. He was a jack of all trades, but his passion was mechanics. He was truly gifted with his ability to solve and repair mechanical problems, no matter how big or small. Darrin was taught how to drive a motorcycle by his father figure, Cammie MacLean, at the young age of 8. This sparked his love of bikes.

Darrin resided in Fort McMurray, Alberta for 10 years. It was there that he excelled at doing what he loved most, engine repair. He returned to Cape Breton and built a life for himself in Sydney, where he was loved and respected by his neighbours.

Darrin cherished his family and enjoyed the many get togethers that they shared. Good food, lots of laughs, and tons of love. He loved hanging out in the garage with his buddies, listening to music, having a few beers, and always working on something. He loved his Shiloh Shepherd ‘Boudaca’ and could always be seen with her hanging out the back window of his truck.

Darrin made friends easily and was always happy to help out anyone who needed it. “No Sweat” was his motto. He was a member of Local 92 Laborers Union, and recently employed at Citizenship and Immigration, where he formed many new friendships and enjoyed numerous laughs with his co-workers.

Left to mourn his passing are his sisters; Brenda (Daniel) MacKinnon, Sydney, Wanita (James Boutilier), Lingan; twin sister Dolores (Donnie) Boutilier, Sydney Forks, niece Courtney (Kevin) MacKenzie); 2nd parents, Bev and Cammie MacLean; special sister Kim (Glenn) Courtney; his best friend since childhood, Arthur MacKinnon; his garage buddy Ronnie Mackie; close friends, Paul O’Brien, Mike McNeil, and Kevin Fitch (Fort McMurray); Aunts Linda and Lois; uncle Jimmy; as well as several cousins, friends and co-workers.

Besides his parents, Darrin was pre-deceased by both sets of grand parents; several aunts and uncles; his beloved pet “Boudaca”.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the QE11 for the excellent care they provided to Darrin during his illness, as well as everyone who supported him and our family, especially our cousin Allison Smith in Halifax. Donations in his memory can be made to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Cape Breton SPCA.

There is no visitation due to Covid 19 restrictions. A private chapel service will be held with Deacon Lorne MacNeil officiating. Burial will follow in Saint James Cemetery, Gardiner Mines, on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at 12 noon, where all are welcome to attend. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of McLellan Brothers Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave, New Waterford, 902-862-7500.

“RIDE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT”