Eòs mac Iain Thormaid 'ic Iain

A descendant of South Uist settlers, Joseph Alex “Joe” MacIntyre was from Boisdale, Cape Breton County. Born September 18, 1909, he was one of seven children born to John N. MacIntyre of Boisdale and Johanna MacDonald of Castle Bay. His mother, Johanna, was a well-known midwife and healer in the community.

Joe married Katie-Belle Campbell of West Mabou, Inverness County, and together they raised two sons, John Angus and Norman Eugene. Katie-Belle was a capable and hardworking woman who carried much of the responsibility for running their busy dairy farm, which shipped milk daily to Sydney. Joe, a naturally strong man, brought his strength to bear in the demanding work of farm life.

The couple were deeply community-minded. Joe was active in the local co-op and served as a councillor for the Boisdale area. He also worked as a road foreman for many years.

Joe is fondly remembered by his grandchildren as a fun and loving “Papa,” often taking them for drives in his truck, visiting neighbours, or making a stop at Malcolm’s canteen in Boisdale. He even built a treehouse for the grandchildren, where he would spend time sitting with them, telling stories and enjoying their company.

Believing in the importance of community gathering spaces, Joe and Katie-Belle began hosting well-attended card games in their home, which became a beloved tradition in the area.

Joe also made a significant contribution to the Cape Breton Folklore Collection. In his youth, he learned to recite long traditional tales. His recordings include legends of witchcraft and fairy lore, tales of the Morar aristocrat Raghnall mac Ailein Òig, local history, and a stirring rendition of a Jacobite song from the 1745 rising.

Joe passed away July 1, 1981 and is laid to rest at St. Andrew's Cemetery, Boisdale.