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Thomas Cumming (T.C.) MacConnell
1908-1997
Nova Scotia
Born in Meadowville, Pictou County, T.C. MacConnell's career spanned
44 years with Scotsburn Co-operative Services Ltd. and its preceding company,
Scotsburn Creamery Co. Ltd. He started to work in the creamery in 1927
as a butter maker, became General Manager in 1935 and retired as Chief
Executive Officer in 1971.
During his tenure and due to his leadership, Scotsburn Co-operative Services
Ltd. experienced tremendous growth through increased sales of products,
acquisition of related dairy companies and diversification of the co-operative's
business enterprise.
T.C. MacConnell worked diligently throughout his life to help those in
need and to develop and build an agricultural co-operative enterprise.
His life centered around his family, his church, his local community and
the agricultural community. He never sought or asked for glory or credit
for his efforts.
In the 1030's and 40's, Mr. MacConnell was also a very active participant
in Study Clubs, Farm Forum and the local District Federation of Agriculture.
He was closely associated with the Antigonish movement and personnel from
the St. Francis Xavier University Extension Department who worked to pool
scarce resources and become "masters of their own destinies". He was a
founding member and first treasurer of the Scotsburn Credit Union.
T.C. MacConnell was a great supporter of the Nova Scotia Federation of
Agriculture and the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Marketing.
Often he found himself as a third party between local farmers and Department
of Agriculture and Marketing personnel in obtaining assistance when needed
and to encourage the development of fair and meaningful government policies
for the farming community. His support led to being appointed a member
of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture Senate Club, an honour usually
reserved for Past Presidents of the Federation.
He was a quiet person who showed tremendous foresight and courage but
who did not seek public recognition for his accomplishments. He worked
for and with people for the sole purpose of helping them. This he accomplished
and the people who are the beneficiaries of his efforts have indeed the
highest praise for T.C.
Cumming and Helen MacConnell have three children, Ann, James, and Melvin,
in whom they instilled the belief, "a good person never has to seek recognition.
It finds the person in its own good time and manner".
Nominated by Scotsburn Credit Union Limited, it is with honored recognition
that the late Thomas Cumming MacConnell is inducted into the Atlantic
Agricultural Hall of Fame.
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