Obituary of Cyril Stuart MacLaren

August 16, 1942 – New Glasgow, Nova Scotia

October 5, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Cyril Stuart MacLaren of Calgary, AB, formerly of New Glasgow, NS, passed away after a battle with illness on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the age of 82 years.

Cyril was born in New Glasgow, NS, on August 16, 1942, and graduated from New Glasgow High School. He pursued a career in drafting at the Nova Scotia Technical College. He earned numerous certifications throughout his distinguished manufacturing career, including his 1st Class Stationary Engineer designation.

He began his working life with Ferry Aviation, where he played a role in the design of the iconic "Chicken Gun," which later gained popularity through its feature on the TV series, Royal Canadian Air Farce. Cyril dedicated a significant portion of his career to Canso Chemicals. After the closure of Canso, he made the brave decision, like many Nova Scotians, to relocate to Calgary in 1997, where he continued to work in the manufacturing field. Retirement initially did not suit his active nature, and he found fulfillment as a property manager until he fully embraced retirement at the age of 72.

A passionate aviation enthusiast, Cyril earned his private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying across North America in his own aircraft. His love for machines and engines was evident in the countless cars and motorcycles he would meticulously disassemble and rebuild, always ensuring that no engine was beyond his capable hands.

Cyril had many other hobbies that he pursued passionately including building and flying remote-controlled airplanes, fly fishing for which he would meticulously create his own flies, car racing, and taking care of any cats that crossed his path.

Cyril was predeceased by his parents, Cecil and Laura (MacDonald) McLaren. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Kelly Anne MacLaren (Tony Williamson) of Ottawa, his sister Jean Blades (Charlie) of Barbados, and his nephew Alexander McLaren-Blades (Kadisha) of Yarmouth and Barbados. He also leaves behind close friends, Bob Grieve and Jamie Sturgeoff of Calgary, who will miss him dearly.

At Cyril’s request, there will be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to any animal rescue of your choice.

Family and friends are invited to share their condolences, memories, and photos with Cyril's family here.

In loving memory of Cyril MacLaren, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Heritage, 1708 – 16th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 0L7, Telephone: 403-299-0100.