Longtime horseman Donald "Danny" Hector MacEachern passed away in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital on May 3 at the age of 90
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Born in Inverness on May 22, 1919, he was a son of the late Hector and Katie (MacKinnon) MacEachern. Danny Hector was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion, branch 132 where he served as welfare officer for many years. He served overseas as a sapper for the Royal Canadian Engineers.
Danny began a long career in harness racing in the late 1940's after returning from the Second World War, purchasing his first horse Grace Reamore. After 63 years of dedication to his love of racing and his horses he leaves behind also his last two horses, Mach My Day and Dannys Atthedance and his dog, Missy.
Danny had a passion for Scottish music and dance. He was step dancing into his eighties where he enjoyed many lively sets at the West Mabou Hall with his good buddies Harold MacKay, Donnie MacDougall and Charlie MacArthur (The Golden Boys). He was an avid boxer where he taught many kids in the community both boxing and step dancing. He also worked as a truant officer which kept him in good running order, keeping him fit and jogging into his early seventies.
Danny is survived by daughters, Kay (Jimmy) Timmons, New Glasgow; Hughie (Isabelle), Donna, Geraldine (Eric) MacFarlane, Patricia (Jurgen) Lmass, Heather (Lauchie). He is also survived by his last surviving sibling, Archie Dan MacEachern, Port Hawkesbury; and lifelong family friend, Patricia LeFort and her family; 19 grandchildren; and four great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his loving wife, Katie Mae (Smith); his son, James Alexander; brothers, Jimmy, Neil, John Roddie; sisters, Kay Bradey, Florence LeBlanc and Marion (Moran) Fraser.
Visitation will be in Inverness Funeral Home on Wednesday May 5, from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will be held on Friday May 7, at 11 a.m. from Stella Maris Church, Inverness with Fr. Duncan MacIsaac officiating, burial to follow in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Veterans Memorial Wall, Inverness or to Central Inverness Palliative Care Society. Papa will be greatly missed by his family, friends, fellow horsemen and comrads. Online condolences may be sent to www.invernessfuneralhome.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Danny MacEachern.