April 29, 2007 to May 5, 2007 continued

ELLIS, Rev. MacAllister Scott - 79, Yarmouth, passed away May 5, 2007, in Yarmouth Regional Hospital. Born in Ottawa, he was a son of J.H. Scott Ellis and Jean (McAllister) Ellis. His education in Montreal was interrupted in 1943 when, already a boy piper in the 3rd Battalion Black Watch, he enlisted for active service, his military career as a private was brief, however, as he was discovered to be only 15 years old. Nonetheless his interest in piping and Scottish traditions was to remain with him throughout his life. He taught piping for many years and in many places. In the late 1960s he led the formation of the Gathering of the Clans Pipe Band in Pugwash. He also served as a Chairman of the Pugwash Gathering of the Clans. He was a member and President of the Atlantic Canada Pipe Band Association. He also belonged to the St. Andrews Societies in Baltimore, Amherst and Yarmouth. Other enthusiasms and interests led him to become a Canadian Legion chaplain, to join the Order of St. Lazarus, the NAACP, the Lions Club and the Associates of Holy Cross Monastery. Before finishing his education he worked variously on the lumber drive, in a mine laboratory, in advertising, and in Montreal as a reporter and editor. He then began his studies at McGill University and the Montreal Diocesan Theological College intending to become a priest in the Anglican Church. He was ordained priest in 1953, working his first two years in the parish of St. Columba, Montreal. In 1954, he brought his growing family to Baltimore, Md., where he was a curate and eventually rector of Mount Calvary Episcopal Church. In 1966, he came to Nova Scotia to serve the Parish of Pugwash and River John, spending 10 happy years with parishioners, pipers, colleagues and friends. Then Father Ellis moved to Yarmouth to the historic parishes of Holy Trinity and St. Stephen's. He maintained a strong vocation and was active as a priest well past his retirement. Father Ellis conducted many retreats and quiet days throughout the province. He was a fine and poetic writer and extemporary preacher. His weekly reflections in the church bulletin were treasured by many, as were his letters. He is survived by his wife, Barbara (Caley); daughter, Mary Gilliam and her husband Michael Forward; sons, John Paul and wife Ann (Robertson), Patrick J.S. and wife Jennifer (McKeen), Michael T.H. and wife Carla (Caverhill), James Alexander and wife Jaclyn (Babin), all of Halifax; grandchildren, Patrick G. Ellis and wife Vanessa, Christopher Sullivan, Mairi, MacAllister C., Madeleine and Vivian Ellis, Katherine, Robyn and Mary Ellen Forward, Keegan, Benjamin and Barbara Jean Ellis; brother, Clarke Ellis, and sister, Jane LeBlanc. Funeral requiem was celebrated by Archbishop Fred Hiltz on Thursday, May 10, at 2 p.m. in Holy Trinity Anglican Church. Burial took place in St. Stephen's Cemetery, Tusket, Archbishop Hiltz, Father Tom Vaughn and Mother Krista Hilton officiated. Memorial donations may be made to the Victorian Order of Nurses, Western Counties Branch; to his final parish of Holy Trinity Church, Yarmouth; or to a charitable cause of your choosing. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny's Funeral Home, Yarmouth. E-mail condolences: sweenys@ns.aliantzinc.ca or you may sign the guest book on-line at: www.sweenysfuneralhome.net