Donald ‘Don’ McDonald
Passed on: February 1st, 2019
It is with broken hearts and profound sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Donald 'Don' McDonald, age 87, on Friday, February 1st, 2019 at Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Sydney with his family by his side. Born in New Aberdeen, he was the son of the late Neil ‘Toots’ and Kathleen (Wilton) McDonald. Don was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
He is survived by his only child, Michelle (Paul) Dockrill; granddaughter, Kayla Dawn (Shawn) Organ; grandson, Kenzie James Dockrill, and great-grandson Hudson Organ; sisters-in-law, Catherine MacDonald, Josephine McInnis and Muriel McDonald, along with nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis (McInnis); brothers, Sanford (Miley), Herbie (Catherine), Orville and Ronnie (Muriel); sisters, Josie (Joe) Neville, Mildred (Reg) MacIntyre, Lexie (Sid) Power, Jessie (Matt) Stoker and Pearl (Lorne) Mattison.
Donald was a member of Holy Family-St. Joseph’s parish where he regularly celebrated his faith.
Don was employed with the Dominion Coal Company/Devco for 38 years where he spent 19 years underground as a Miner, shotfirer, supervisor in #20 Colliery and # 26 then 19 years in the Industrial Relations Dept at #26, Lingan Colliery, Surface Operations and General Mining Bldg. from where he retired as Director of Industrial Relations for Devco.
Don when working underground was a member of the Mine Rescue Corp. for many years. He was Team Captain of the # 20 Mine Rescue crew that qualified; after several competitions, to represent Nova Scotia in the Canadian Mine Rescue Championship the first time a team from Nova Scotia entered the National competition and they came home with the National title and trophy. He was a lifelong member of the Coady Credit Union serving well over 25 years on the board of directors and multiple terms as President. Don received a Royal Canadian Association Honorary testimonial for his actions following a boating accident on the Bras d’Or Lake at Big Pond in 1961. He spent his vacations and summers in the Cape Breton he loved especially summers in Big Pond with family and friends and could be seen enjoying the view while listening to his favourite tunes.
Don was a truly kind and caring dad, husband, grandfather, father-in-law, brother and friend to many. He will be missed by all those who loved and knew him.
There will be no visitation. A celebration of his life will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 5 at St. Joseph’s Church, Main Street, Reserve Mines with Fr. Dan Boudreau officiating. Reception to follow in the church hall. Interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery at a later date.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Glace Bay.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
Rest now Poppy.
