Passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at The Moncton Hospital, just three hours short of his 95th birthday. He was born in Canoe Cove PEI, the eldest son of the late Mac and Mary MacFadyen. He is survived by his wife Mary; sons, David MacFadyen (Cathy), Gary MacFadyen (Margot), David Wheaton (Peggy), Danny Wheaton (Ana), and Darren Wheaton (Trish); brother Victor, sister Kaye Morrison; and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whose lives he played an important role in. He was predeceased by his first wife, Doris, his son, Brian, brothers, Glenn, Everett, and Curtis, and by his sister, Sadie MacLean. Retus grew up in a family that farmed, fished lobster, and owned the village blacksmith shop. He learned to work hard at an early age and kept doing so all his life. He left the island at age 18 to come to Moncton and work in the CN shops. In 1962, he left CN and started a successful career at London Life, where he remained active for almost 50 years. His favorite thing was meeting new people and learning all he could about them. That’s why sailing and motor homing were such a big part of his life. They enabled him to continuously meet someone new and to learn their story. Retus was one of a small group of people who laid the foundation for the town of Riverview as we know it today. He was most proud of his role in the creation of the Riverview Lions Club, the creation of the Riverview volunteer fire department, the construction of the fire hall on Coverdale Road, and the construction of the Frank L. Bowser school. His was a life well lived. He had ample time for the people he loved and for the things he loved to do, was successful in both life and business and left his community a better place for all who follow. He will be missed. Visitation will be from 1-4p.m. on Saturday, October 21st at Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 330 Whitepine Rd., Riverview, (869-2007). A private family burial will be held at a later date. Donations to Retus’s favorite cause, Friends of the Moncton Hospital, would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cobbsfuneralhome.ca
Retus MacFADYEN — Riverview, NB
