It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of
Francis Roderick «Rod» MacDonald, of Erinville, Guysborough
County, on Wednesday, May 11th, at home with
his loving family.
Born in Salmon River Lake, Guysborough County, he was the
youngest son of the late Francis and Rose Ellen (Burns) MacDonald and
the last surviving member of his immediate family. A man of
strong faith and an active member of St. Thomas Church, Salmon River
Lake, he served as Warden until his passing.
A graduate of Nova Scotia Teachers College, he was a
dedicated teacher and enjoyed a lengthy career providing instruction
and guidance in schools in Dartmouth, Antigonish, Erinville, and
Guysborough until his retirement in 1994. During
retirement he continued to teach in various capacities such as Adult
Education, Hunter’s Safety, detailed wood carving, stained
glass, and the accordion, always enjoying his students’
successes.
He had a passion for gardening, a natural talent for
carpentry, and he entertained many over the years with his beautiful
accordion playing. He proudly passed his knowledge on to his
children and grandchildren.
Rod loved everything about nature, enjoying many trips around
the province and to Newfoundland with friends and family. A
highlight for him was the annual fishing weekend with friends at the
cottage on Salmon River Lake. He was a member of the
Broadhorns ATV club and organized an annual ATV Rally for many
years. He was also an avid fly fisherman, taxidermist, and
auctioneer.
A founding member of the Erinville District Volunteer Fire
Department, he served many years in various capacities and devoted
much time to helping the community organize Erinville Come Home
Days.
A devoted father and grandfather, he is survived by his
daughters, Kimberly (John) Hillier, Alberta; Lisa (Archie) Avery,
Pomquet; and Rachel (Richard) Ellis, Florida, sons, Jonathan
(Amanda) and Aaron (Nancy), both of Erinville; fourteen
grandchildren whom he adored, Alex, Nic, Cayden, Josh, Brianna,
Brennan, Cindy (Cody), Jack, Aaron, Brandi, Jesse, Landen, Liam and
Katie; and two great-granddaughters, Lillian Kaye and Emelia Raye
Thomas; brothers-in-law Jack Forbes and Sam Carr; sisters-in-law,
Alexina MacDonald, Naomi DeCoste, and Connie Westendorf; and many
special nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, Catherine
(Kaye) Carr; siblings, Kathleen (late James) Farrell, H. Joseph (late
Mary), Robert (late Christina), Bernard (late Elsie), Mary
«Mame» (late Joseph) Morrison, Ed, and Millie (Jack) Forbes,
sister-in-law, Mary Theresa DeCoste and great-granddaughter, Aubrey
June Thomas.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, May
18th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in C.L. Curry
Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass
will be held Thursday at 11:00 am in St. Thomas Church, Salmon River
Lake, Father Callistus Abazie presiding.
Memorial donations to the Shamrock Community Development Fund
or Erinville District Volunteer Fire Department appreciated.
Online condolences: www.clcurry.com
1940 2022
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Rod F MacDonald 1940 2022..
Décès pour la Ville: Antigonish, Province: Nova Scotia