Thomas C. MacConnell
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.