Peter MacDonald
Born In: Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: April 30th, 1947
Passed in: Sydney River, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: June 10th, 2010
With broken hearts, we, the family, announce the peaceful passing of 'Singing Peter.' Peter passed away at home in Sydney River on Thursday afternoon after a courageous battle with cancer.
Peter was born and raised in Glace Bay. He was the youngest son of the late Henry and Muriel (Robinson) MacDonald.
During his lifetime, Peter worked at a great many places including No. 26 coal mines, Pembroke Construction, Curry's Funeral Home, the Main Event and most recently he was employed in the construction industry in Fort McMurray, Alta. But the job that Peter loved best was entertaining people. He will forever be remembered and respected for his beautiful voice and his passion for country music which saw him perform on stages in Ontario and all over the Maritimes. Peter was a member of several bands during his lifetime, starting at the age of 17 with Al Ward & the Trail Hands, the Blue Notes and New River Train. Later he performed regularly as a duo with John Hiscock and then with Kevin Gallant. During his music career, Peter made several recordings, most notably his album, Your Memory Is Still Holding On. The single with the same name hit No. 1 on the music charts in 1986. He also recorded a cassette single, These Hearts, in Nashville and in 2004 Peter recorded Roses in the Winter as a gift for his mother's 95th birthday. But the highlight of Peter's musical career was his concert 'Living My Dream' which took place July 5, 2009, at the Savoy Theatre.
Peter will be remembered for his charisma and for his keen sense of humour by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.
Peter is survived by his best friend and love of his life, Alda. He is also survived by his daughter, Janet (Tim) Herrington; and Alda's children whom he thought of as his own, Michelle (Steve) Lawrence and Jason Breen. Left to survive Peter are his grandchildren, Sophia and Ian Herrington and his special angel, Jayda Reese Lawrence. Also left to mourn his passing are his sisters, Ramona Greenwood and Bernadette MacDonald (Sonny Stubbert ); his brothers, Clayton (Jean) and Russell (Joyce); many nieces, nephews, cousins and the many, many friends Peter was blessed to have in his lifetime.
Besides his parents, Peter was predeceased by his brothers, Edward, Charles and Arnold.
Visitation for Peter will take place Sunday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Curry's Funeral Home, Main Street, Glace Bay. Funeral will be held Monday at 3 p.m. at Holy Cross Church, Seaview Street with Father Norman MacPhee officiating. A celebration of Peter's life will be held at the Main Event on Union Street for anyone who wishes to attend. Peter will be laid to rest with his mother at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens at a later date.
Online condolences can be sent to the family at jmcurry@ns.sympatico.ca.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter's memory can be made to Palliative Care An Cala unit, Cape Breton Regional Hospital Cancer Centre or the VON.
