Errol David Macdonald

Dad was born in Halifax on September 25, 1924 to David Ross MacDonald and Nellie (Wright) MacDonald. He was predeceased by his parents, “Auntie” Annie Wright and sisters Janelle Bell and Marilyn Lamond. He’s survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Norma Frances (Cleversey) MacDonald, sons David (Diane), Brian (Margaret), daughter Laurel (Phil), beloved granddaughters Jillian, Laura, Heather and Dana, cousins, and numerous nephews and nieces.

He grew up in Halifax, attending Halifax Academy and Dalhousie University, where he completed basic training with the Canadian Officers Training Corps and graduated with a Diploma in Engineering in 1945. Art studies followed at NSCAD, where he met Mom in the late 40’s. They moved to Toronto and married in 1952. He studied at the Ontario College of Art and worked as an engineering draftsman for the Borough of North York. When Dad, Mom and their three children returned to Halifax in 1958, he worked for CBCL, and resumed studies at TUNS. He attained his PEng in Civil Engineering and established his consulting firm, E.D. MacDonald and Associates in the early 60’s. His assignments were throughout the Maritimes and included the Coast Guard College and Bedford Waterfront.

Dad’s life-long passion was painting, primarily landscapes for many years, then shifting entirely to abstract. He took great pride in his two art shows at Studio 21 in the mid 2000’s. His other passions included family times, friends, reading, music, walking, cycling and travel. Numerous family road trips took in Eastern Canada, New England and California. Mom & Dad’s 25th anniversary was celebrated with travels in Europe, Greece and Egypt.

The arrival of granddaughters in the 90’s motivated Dad to design an addition to the family cottage in Green Bay for the growing clan. Green Bay provided years of extended summer stays, painting, walking the shoreline and exploring the South Shore.

Dad was ever humble, patient, kind, wise, smart and exceptionally well-read. His legacy of artistic talent lives on with his art portfolio and the additions designed for the family home and cottage. Brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, artist and civil engineer, he will be greatly missed by Mom, his children, their families and extended family.

The family extends special thanks to family physician, Dr. Pottle, and the staff of V4 West-Camp Hill, including Anthony, Dorothy, Dr. Milne, Sam, Brittany, Melanie, Laura, Kirsten, and others who took exemplary care of Dad.

Arrangements are entrusted to J.A. Snow Funeral Home, Lacewood Drive, Halifax, NS. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Donations in Dad’s memory may be made to Bethany United Church in Halifax, or a charity of the donor’s choice. To leave online condolences and view the obituary, please visit: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com