John James MacDonald
1939-2021
John passed away peacefully on August 31, 2021, at the age of
82. He was born in Kings Head at his family home on July 1st, 1939 and
was the eldest son of the late Angus Francis and Mary (Grant)
MacDonald. A lover of family history, he could trace his ancestry
beyond the MacDonald’s 1783 settling of Kings Head in Pictou
County, to Inverness-shire, Scotland. His aunt, Mrs. Kaye Gorman RN,
and Mrs. Marie (Tom) MacQueen RN, were the midwives for his arrival,
which marked one of the last home births in Kings Head.
He grew up in the country where he attended Kings Head School
and later St. John’s Academy in New Glasgow. John would tell
people that he always came in first or second in his class at Kings
Head School, before revealing that there were only two in his
class!
Following his studies he went on to serve with the RCMP in
the Toronto and Niagara regions. He then trained as a Red Seal Heavy
Duty Equipment Technician before moving to Labrador City to work for
the Iron Ore Company of Canada. He seized the opportunity to move back
to his home province when he accepted a position with the Nova Scotia
Power Corporation, and raised his family in Havre Boucher. Missing his
roots, he and his wife eventually settled in Kings Head. Never one to
slow down, after retirement he performed consulting and professional
contract work for Asplundh Tree Services.
John’s impressive work history was matched only by his
community involvement. He was a long-standing and committed leader
with Scouts Canada, providing mentorship to generations of children
and young men and women. To this day, former Scouts and
Venturers will check in on «Scouter
John.»
In keeping with his helping nature, he was a volunteer
firefighter in Havre Boucher for over a decade, and a member of Nova
Scotia Ground Search and Rescue for almost as long. In his later years
he distinguished himself as the Grand Knight for the New Glasgow
Knights of Columbus, an organization very close to his
heart.
John took on challenges with zeal, whether that meant
inventing hydraulic machines to split wood or finding a way to tow his
family’s home up the Northumberland Strait, with fishing boats no
less! Folks say that you could give John a piece of wire, pliers and a
wrench and he could fix anything. He was also a grand storyteller and
loved nothing better than family gatherings where he would hold court.
With a twinkle in his eye, he would regale everyone with tales that
would bring the house down.
He loved being on the water, from his early days fishing with
his father, to operating RCMP police boats, to tagging along on
commercial fishing ventures with his friends in the industry. He
enjoyed gardening as well, and kept up running battles with the many
woodland creatures who tried to eat his vegetables. He was delighted
by nature and all animals – ducks and deer only feared him
during hunting season.
John was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Carolyn.
After 60 years together they grew in faith and love.
His son Alan was the apple of his eye, and John was Alan’s
hero, but Alan had a bit of competition from his
«sister» – John’s beloved dog, Shaddie. She was also
a great source of joy and companionship in his life.
John was a man of faith and a proud member of St. John’s
Parish in New Glasgow. He was also a thoughtful neighbour and friend,
and helped anyone in need, no questions asked. Everyone will remember
his great warmth, humour and kindness. If someone was an underdog,
then John was their champion.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn (Connolly), dear
son, Alan (Amanda Soutar); cherished siblings, Margret Rowe, Betty
Campbell, Mary Morris (Gerald), Gus (Kathleen) and Roseanne Chapman
(Don); sister-in-law, Carol MacDonald, brothers and sisters-in-law,
Richard and Audrey Connolly, Lori and Jerry Betik, and a close
cousin-in-law, Dr. Geraldine Thomas. He will be missed by many nieces,
nephews and godchildren who thought the world of «Uncle
Johnnie,» and so many others who are not named
here.
John was predeceased by his brother Donald, brothers-in-law
Pat Rowe, Neil Campbell, Herman Kemper, and sisters-in-law Elaine
(Connolly) Kemper and Linda (Connolly) MacPhee. He is also
predeceased by a special cousin and best friend, James Gorman, and a
nephew, Mark Connolly.
The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to all
who helped and befriended John throughout his life. In lieu
of flowers, donations can be made to the SPCA or a charity of
choice.
Visitation 2-4 pm Monday in R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55
Almont Ave., New Glasgow. A private funeral mass will take place at
St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church. Knights of Columbus
Council 1667 are asked to meet at Church Brook Cemetery, Little
Harbour at 12:15pm Tuesday to conduct their service. Donations in his
memory may be made to a charity of choice.
19392021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de John James MacDonald 19392021..
Décès pour la Ville: New-Glasgow, Province: Nova Scotia