It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Donnie MacDonald of Port Hood, aged 85, on Monday, May 9, 2022. Donnie passed away peacefully in Inverness Memorial Consolidated Hospital with his loving wife and daughter by his side. Born on February 22, 1937, Donnie was a son of the late Isabel (MacIsaac) and Angus Willie MacDonald.
Donnie attended St. FX University in 1953 at the young age of 16, after finishing Grade 11 at Port Hood Academy. He spent some time working in Niagara Falls as well as working at his father’s store, which he eventually managed, before becoming a millwright at Stora Forest Industries in Port Hawkesbury. After more than two decades of shift work, he wanted to try a new challenge and took on the role of Vibrations Analyst, where he remained until his retirement after approximately 35 years with the company.
A deeply devoted Catholic, Donnie took great comfort in prayer, particularly the Rosary, which he prayed daily almost to the very end, even as dementia ravaged his brain and took away his ability to remember most everything else. His commitment to both the Church and his beloved community of Port Hood led him to take on a very active role with the Knights of Columbus. He served as Grand Knight on more than one occasion, most notably as Charter Grand Knight of St. Peter’s Council 8275. Donnie was instrumental in establishing this Council in Port Hood. The official charter for St. Peter’s was bestowed in 2003, and Donnie was later named Grand Night of the Year for Nova Scotia at the State Convention in recognition of his accomplishments.
Family meant the world to Donnie. He loved to share recollections of his family growing up and had a strong bond with his parents and siblings. His wife and two children were the center of his world and a source of great pride. He loved a good game of Auction, with many games played with friends and family lasting into the wee hours. Much to the chagrin of some of his family who played a different style after moving away from home, Donnie would only play Auction the “Cape Breton way”! Puzzles were a favorite pastime for Donnie, who could be found every morning sitting in his recliner with his glasses on and pen in hand, solving the daily crossword and Sudoku. Whenever his daughter Melanie was home, he would save that day’s crossword so they could solve it together. Donnie enjoyed watching many sports, but hockey was definitely his greatest love. He had a few favorite teams over the years, but the common denominator was always his staunch desire to root against the Montreal Canadiens, which happened to be his son Glen’s favorite team. This led to some entertaining banter during Habs games over the years. We’d hazard a guess Donnie is ribbing Glen pretty hard wherever they are right now after seeing this season’s final ranking.
Donnie leaves behind his treasured and devoted wife of 50 years, Annie Mae MacDonald, and his cherished daughter, Melanie MacDonald, both of Port Hood. They will miss him terribly. He is also survived by his sisters, M.C. (late Russell) Pellerin of Antigonish; Gerry (late Harold) Avery of Dartmouth; brother, John Dalton (Linda) MacDonald of Lawrencetown; many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; as well as dear friends, cousins and neighbors. Donnie was predeceased by his son and best friend, Glen MacDonald; brother, Sandy (Rose) MacDonald of Niagara Falls; and sister Virgie (late Don) Avery of Halifax.
Donnie’s family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Susie Egar for always providing exceptional care to Donnie, as well as the much-appreciated compassion and support provided to Annie Mae and Melanie. We are also grateful for the care and dedication of the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital nurses and staff, particularly in Donnie’s final days. A special thank you goes out to our Fraser Street neighbors who have been so supportive during this difficult time.
Visitation will be held in Port Hood and Area Resting Place on Friday, May 13th from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 14th in St. Peter’s Church, Port Hood (and livestreamed on the Saint Peter’s Parish Facebook and Youtube accounts) with Fr. Joby Augustin officiating. Burial in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Donnie’s memory to Diabetes Canada, St. Peter’s Parish Cemetery Fund (Port Hood), or to a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.invernessfuneralhome.com.
