Anthony D. MacDiarmid

Anthony Douglas MacDiarmid

Beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, and proud Cumberland County boy.

It is with broken hearts, but with so many wonderful memories, that we announce the passing of Anthony on October 9, 2026.

Anthony grew up in the communities of Oxford, Wentworth, and Heather’s Beach—places that would always be home to him.

Hockey was a big part of his early years, and he proudly played for the Fundy Midget AAA Blueberry Kings, and Humber College Hawks. Whether on the ice or off, Anthony’s love for the game stayed with him throughout his life.

In his twenties, Anthony returned to Oxford to own and operate the Big B Restaurant and Parkview Motel. It was the beginning of a career built around people, community, and making others feel welcome.

When a call came to move to Liverpool, Nova Scotia he was given the opportunity to own and operate Chandlers’ Funeral Home. For the next 30 years, it was work he took to heart, and his compassion, kindness, and genuine care for the families he served were well recognized. Anthony understood that some of life’s hardest moments called for someone who would show up, listen, and care. He did that for countless families, often quietly and without fanfare.

His work made a lasting difference in his community, and his legacy of compassion will live on in the people he helped.

Outside of work, Anthony was a social being through and through. He loved having people around and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. If you knew Anthony, you likely had a story about him, and if you spent any time with him, you probably left having shared a laugh, a meal, or both.

Always very particular about everything. Anthony loved what he loved, including: pizza, his pontoon boat, buffets, Diet Mountain Dew, wings, hockey, BBQ, music, nachos, his beloved cottage on Ponhook Lake, and, of course, his best canine friend, Crosby. He enjoyed them all without apology.

Anthony also loved to travel and wanted to see it all. He was not particularly interested in simply passing through a place; he wanted to experience it, explore it, and take in as much as possible. There was always more to see, more to do, and, ideally, something good to eat along the way.

And then there was Claudine. He often said he had waited forever to meet her, and when he finally did, he knew he had found his person. They married at White Point in July 2007. It was a celebration full of love, laughter, and the kind of happiness that suited Anthony perfectly. Their life together was a love story that he treasured, and in his final days, he made no secret of just how much he adored his wife.

His greatest pride and joy was his son, Teed, whom he adored beyond measure. Being Teed’s dad was one of the most important parts of Anthony’s life, and the love he had for his son was unwavering. They shared a passion for hockey, and Anthony coached until his diagnosis. Teed will carry his dad’s love, lessons, stories, and memories with him always.

After being diagnosed with glioblastoma in February 2024, Anthony, as always, chose to remain positive. He told everyone that he would beat it and lived each day with hope for a miracle. He would not let his diagnosis define him. His love for life and his determination led him to defy his prognosis and gave his family precious additional time with him.

Anthony will be deeply missed by his wife, Claudine, and his beloved son, Teed; his parents, Doug and Shirley; his brother, Andrew, and sister-in-law, Leta; his nieces, Rachel and Marlee; extended family; dear friends; the Chandlers' Funeral Home family; and the many people whose lives he touched throughout his years.

He was predeceased by his beloved Crosby, the Bouvier des Flandres. Crosby was not simply a dog; he was Anthony’s best canine friend and a much-loved part of his life.

Anthony’s life was far too short, but it was full of love, meaningful work, lasting friendships, hockey, travel, cottage days, music, and plenty of good food. He leaves behind a community that is better for having known him and a family who will forever wish for just one more day, one more conversation, one more laugh, or one more meal together.

We can picture Anthony now, reunited with loved ones, with a hockey game somewhere in the background, a song playing, and a pizza waiting nearby. And knowing Anthony, he will want to see everything, meet everyone, and make sure nobody is left out.

Until we meet again, Anthony. Thank you for the love, the laughter, the memories, and for showing us what it means to care for people. You waited a long time to find Claudine, built a life full of people who loved you, and left this world having made a difference.

You were one of a kind, and you will be missed more than words can say.

Visitation will be held at Chandlers’ Funeral Home on Friday, October 16, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday October 17 at 11:00 a.m. at the Baptist Church in Greenfield, Nova Scotia. Officiated by Rev. Steven Hopper and Rev. Janet Baker. A private burial will take place at a later date in Wentworth, Nova Scotia.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Queens General Hospital for the incredible care, kindness, and compassion they provided to Anthony and his family during the last month. Your support will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Queens County Minor Hockey Association, in honour of Anthony’s lifelong love of hockey and the community that meant so much to him. Donations may be e-transferred to qcmhareg@gmail.com