Henry Moxsom MacConnell – 87, Truro passed away at home, surrounded by his children, on Thursday, November 2, 2023. Born in Meadowville, Pictou County, he was the first-born son of the late William E. "Bill" McConnell and Margaret B. (Moxsom) MacConnell.
Henry is survived by his daughter, April, Truro; son, Patrick, Truro; foster daughter, Melissa Mohr, Pennsylvania; sister, Irene Forbes, Fredericton, New Brunswick; brother, Ed (Cathy), Toronto, Ontario; sisters-in- law, Shirley, Scotsburn; Jean, Oakville, Ontario; many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 55 years, Roberta Mary Elizabeth (Devereaux); brothers, Joe, George; infant brother, Graham; brother-in-law, Ernest R. Forbes.
Henry was a hardworking, quiet, gentle, forgiving, strong-willed and generous man, who treated everyone he met with respect and had an amazing talent of being non-judgmental and accepting people as they are. He deeply believed that we all have a responsibility to care for each other and lived his life working hard to make our community a better place. He spent 26 years of his working life as a professor of chemistry at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College which is known today as Dalhousie University Agricultural Campus. Henry was a dedicated teacher who loved his job as he was passionate about teaching, science, and agriculture.
Henry was also a person with many diverse interests. In his retirement years he became a member of Truro Golden K, Fundy Family Researchers, Truro Duplicate Bridge Club, spent hours gardening, was an avid reader up until the last weeks of his life and was a very proud Scottish Ship Hector descendant. One of Henry’s proudest accomplishments was completing a book entitled, "A Genealogy of George McConnell and Janet Stewart". This genealogy was an enormous amount of work initiated by his father in the 1950s, passed on to his mother and finally completed by Henry in 2019.
Henry was clear that his wish in his golden years was to remain at home, live his days to the fullest and when the time came, he would die as comfortably as possible at home. Thanks to the support from Dr. Grandy, Dr. Smith, Cheryl Graham as well as the VON nurses and home support workers, his children were able to make this wish possible for him.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where the funeral service will be held 1 p.m., Friday, November 10, 2023, Reverend John Parsons officiating. Interment in Watson Cemetery, 1997 Prince Street, Salmon River. If so desired, donations in Henry’s memory to a charity of choice are welcomed. Public messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Henry’s obituary online and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
Please note that Henry's surname "MacConnell" is correct as published, as is the surname "McConnell" for other members of his family. Thank you.