Dòmhnaill mac Iain Dhonnchaidh

Donald Angus MacInnis, known as “D.A.,” was born February 16, 1900 in Creignish, Inverness County, to John MacInnis and Mary MacIntyre. His MacInnis family originally came from Moidart, Scotland. He was the youngest of seven children. When D.A. was young, his father John died, and he was brought up by his uncle Angus.

D.A. was married twice, each marriage lasting 27 years. His first wife was Charlotte Rankin of Judique, a descendant of John the Immigrant. Together, they had two children, Jackie and Ann Marie. When Charlotte was pregnant with Ann Marie, she was diagnosed with tuberculosis and passed away due to heart complications on June 4, 1964. After her passing, D.A. married Mary MacMaster of New York (originally of Long Point) on April 12, 1966.

As a young man, he began his career as a linesman for the county. When his uncle Angus took ill, D.A. cared for him faithfully until Angus’ death. He later worked with Chappell Carpentry in Sydney for a number of years before returning to Creignish to become a sectionman with the Canadian National Railway (CNR), a position he held until his retirement in 1965.

D.A. was deeply involved in his community, particularly at Stella Maris Catholic Church. As a boy he served as an altar boy, tending the fire in the church before Mass and ringing the bell at noon. Throughout his life he lent a hand with many parish and community events at the local hall.

He was known as a gifted storyteller, fond of sharing local anecdotes. While not a formal entertainer, D.A. was a soft-spoken, sociable man who delighted in visiting and conversation. His first language was Gaelic - he learned English only upon starting school. At the grand opening of the Canso Causeway in 1955, he performed the lead in an all-Gaelic skit written by his wife Charlotte and also danced the Ruidhle Mór (Eight-Handed Reel).

D.A. is fondly remembered as a kind, gentle, and honest soul who contributed quietly but steadily to the life of his community. He and Mary were community-minded people who cared deeply for their neighbours, always ready to help, and equally supported in return.

D.A. passed away on June 29, 1993 in his 93rd year and is laid to rest in Stella Maris Cemetery, Creignish. At his funeral and graveside, the Reverend Father John Angus Rankin of Glendale recited the Our Father in Gaelic. The sound of the bagpipes, along with Gaelic music, accompanied him to his final resting place.