Arthur Calvin MacLennan 87, passed away peacefully at home as the sun shone on December 16, 2025 with his family by his side. Calvin was born the eldest son of the late Lawrence and Ann (Campbell) MacLennan of Willowdale, Pictou County. Calvin was a member of Bethany United Church, East River St. Mary’s and an adherent to Union Presbyterian Church, Thorburn.

Dad lived a full and wonderful life. He graduated from Maritime Forestry School, UNB then went on to establish MacLennan Bros with his brother, John. Dad eventually continued the business working alongside his three sons, Laurie, Brad and Mark which gave him tremendous pride and joy.

Dad is survived by the love of his life, Patsy (Finch). Together for over 61 years they raised their family of five children; Laurie (Sandra) Blue Mountain, Cindy (Mike) Kingston, Patti (Jason) Beechville, Brad (Cathy) Goffs, and Mark (Sarah) MacLellan’s Brook.

Dad was always most proud of his role of Papa. As Papa, Dad played dollies, build Tonka dirt piles, and shared his love of sweets ensuring all his grandchildren enjoyed ice cream treats and chocolate bars. Those lucky to call him Papa were Kelsey (Peter), Brendan (Jayme), Keirsten (Brandon), Emily, Ryan, Kyle, Mary – Beth, Aaron, Brett (Courtney), Claire, Eric and Kayla. Great grandchildren Evelyn, Renlee, and the newest great granddaughter due in April.

Dad is survived by brothers Clifford, Valley and Wes (Judy) Willowdale, sister Marjorie, Antigonish. Sisters in law Kaye MacDonald, Garden of Eden, and Arlene Finch, New Glasgow and brother in law, Fred Hingley, Westville and many nieces and nephews.

Dad was predeceased by his parents, his in laws, Eric and Della Finch, brother John, brothers in law, Freeman Sangster, Douglas MacDonald, Charlie Jordan and Art Fenton. Sisters in law Sandra Hingley and Betty Jordan. Nephews Carey MacLennan and Collin Sangster.

Dad enjoyed a long Sunday drive with ice cream, a feed of lobsters, a plate of clams, a good chocolate bar, reminiscing about times past, dancing to old music and swinging on the front swing with Mom.

The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses at the VON for their exceptional care, Heather Cameron, music therapist, for sharing her gift of music and her willingness to learn Newfoundland music for Dad. We would like to thank the many friends who dropped in to visit with Dad.

The funeral is under the direction of H.W. Angus Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Visitation is on Thursday, December 18th, 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 with funeral at Union Presbyterian Church, Thorburn, on Friday, December 19th at 11am with John Reeves and Rev. Derek Ellesworth officiating. Burial will take place at Thorburn Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Care Nova Scotia or the music therapy program at Pictou County Palliative Care Society or a charity of your choice.

Dad did not lose this battle with cancer despite being given little time. Dad chose to live every moment with the people he loved doing the things he loved most with grace, and gratitude.