John Roy MacAskill – 90, Lower Truro, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, October 8, 2025, at Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Truro, following complications from several health issues. The youngest of nine children, Roy was born in Ben Eoin, Cape Breton Island, in 1934 to the late Charles and Mary Ann (Campbell) MacAskill.
He spent his childhood years on the family farm, a time he would fondly speak of in later years. At the age of fourteen, Roy was sent to Halifax to live with his two sisters, Anastacia and Rose, where he attended St. Mary’s Boys School. After leaving school, he went to work for Dominion Stores in the Halifax area, taking a transfer to Truro in the early 70s. After leaving Dominion, Roy began a long career with Irving Oil that included operating his own service station, MacAskill’s Irving, for fifteen years. Long lasting friendships were formed in the "Irving" years with many good times on the "bus"! Roy finally retired in 2011 and spent the next fourteen years doting on his fur baby, Jazz-Purr.
Tough as nails and optimistic to a fault, he lived his life on his own terms, laughed easily and loved deeply.
Roy will forever be missed by his wife, JoAnn White; son, Steven Roy MacAskill; grandchildren, Ryker MacAskill, Alannah MacAskill, Jewel Burris (Matt); fur baby, Jazz-Purr; sister-in-law, Judy White (Winston); brother-in-law, Stephen White (Jenn); best friends, David and Carol Patterson and Karen Pearce (Dave); many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by seven sisters; one brother; one nephew; best buddy, Gary Clements.
We would like to thank our wonderful neighbours for their concern and kindness over the years. Thank you to the staff at Robie Street Sobeys, and M&Ms for always making Roy feel special. Thank you for the compassionate care at the Medical Day Unit, Wound Care and the Transition Unit at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, VON and the staff at Cedarstone Enhanced Care. You are all amazing!
Honouring Roy’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no service. Roy’s long journey through life has come to an end.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
"Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened."
Dr. Seuss