It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald A (Don) MacVicar, 80, after a 3 year battle with cancer. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Don passed away in Hospice Halifax on June 19, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 11, 1942, in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Don lived a life filled with love, warmth, and an unwavering dedication to his family, friends and community.
He is survived by his loving wife Kathryn, sons Don (Victoria) and Ken (Gerri), daughter in law Kyna (David), grandchildren Corey (Emma), Matthew, Patrick (Molly), Logan, Ella, Aidan & Christopher and great grandchildren, David, Amelia & Matthew. Don was predeceased by his son David, sisters Edna MacVicar, and Jeanette Bentley, and parents Allan and Ina MacVicar.
Don enjoyed a dedicated and fulfilling career of 41 years at Scotiabank, starting his career at Glace Bay branch in 1960 after his 17th birthday and retiring as the District Vice President of Nova Scotia in Halifax in 2000. His ambitious career involved over 20 promotions and transfers and took Kathryn and the family across Eastern Canada and Caribbean stops in Jamaica and Aruba before coming back home to Halifax to finish his career closer to his family. In retirement, Don and Kathryn spent many wonderful years in Florida. He was also able to strengthen his entrepreneurial muscle by starting a Liberty Tax franchise in Halifax with his son Ken and daughter in law Gerri in 2003. In 2006, Don also co-founded Premiere Mortgage Centre with his son’s David and Don.
His commitment to making a difference in the lives of others was evident through his life and giving back was a centrepiece of this life. Don was one of the founding members of the Friends of Hope Cottage and his commitment spanned over 30 years. Don was also a board member of CNIB, former chair of Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and a lifetime member. Don also sat on the board of the University of King’s College and received an honorary fellowship for his hard work and dedication.
Those who knew Don were blessed to witness his honourable, loving, and compassionate nature. He believed in the importance of respect, dedication, loyalty, integrity and service to others, all while keeping a great sense of humour. His greatest accomplishments were the loving bonds and memories he created with his family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of treasured relationships that spanned across the globe through his years of travel with Scotiabank and his retirement years in Florida.
The most important thing to Don was always his loving family and friends. He leaves a tremendous legacy that will be carried forward by all who knew and loved him. Don was the best friend anyone could ever have. As he held court in Hospice Halifax, he broke all records for visitations. He was always great at keeping in touch with friends no matter how far apart they were. He was truly a loyal friend to so many and will leave a gap in many lives with his passing. Don also loved the game of golf and was an avid reader and traveler. He was also known to have enjoyed a fine single malt or two every once in a while.
The family all wanted to extend special Thanks to his tremendous care givers over his 3 year cancer battle. Thanks to Dr Lori Wood at the QE2, department of Oncology and the Palliative Care team at the QE2. Finally a special Thanks to the Halifax Hospice family. The special attention Don and family received was world class. The MacVicar family will be forever grateful!
Visitation will take place at JA Snow funeral home at 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax on Saturday June 24th from 4-6 pm. Funeral Service and Celebration of Life will be held on June 25, 2023, at 6:30 pm at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church at 216 School St, Dartmouth, followed by a reception at Brightwood Golf Club. We invite friends and family to come together to honour and remember the beautiful life he shared with all of us. He will be deeply missed, but we find comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on through the lessons he imparted and the love he gave to everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Halifax https://hospicehalifax.ca/
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church https://standrewspcc.ca/ or a Charity of choice
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