John Alexander 'Johnnie' MacDonald
Born In: Port Morien, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: September 25th, 1923
Passed on: August 16th, 2011
The family regrets to announce the passing of beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, neighbour and friend on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2011, at the Glace Bay Health Care Center after a brief illness.
Born in Port Morien on Sept. 25, 1923, the son of the late John Joseph and Kate Ann (MacKeigan) MacDonald.
He spent his early years first in Port Morien and then in Donkin, moving to Glace Bay to begin his work with the S&L Railroad in 1941 at the age of 18.
All his life Johnnie was an avid “rail man”, working first for the S&L Railroad, then Devco and ending his career at the Devco Rail Center in Victoria Junction, retiring in 1985.
Throughout his years, he was an avid outdoorsman: hunting, fishing and travelling Cape Breton and the Atlantic provinces. He shared his love of nature through his association with Boy Scouts Canada-2nd Glace Bay Boy Scouts. He was a Troop Scouter with his Woodbadge 2.
His community spirit showed itself best in the 31 years he “answered the call” as a member in good standing of the Glace Bay Volunteer Fire Department. A dedicated volunteer, he remained involved in the department and its events even after his retirement. A love for answering the call which lives on with his son Bruce and grandson Devin.
Johnnie spent every spring chasing capelin at Schooner Pond or Gabarus. He took great pride in his garden and bushes and lighting up his house every Christmas and Halloween to the delight of his grandchildren.
He was a long time member of Knox United Church and enjoyed the friendship of Rev. John Finlayson.
Survived by his wife of 55 years, Eleanor E. (Moores) MacDonald; sons, Keith (Leona) and Bruce (Jo-Ann), Sydney; grandchildren, Kevin, Rankin Inlet; Penney, Halifax; Brendan, Edmonton; Devin, Andrew and Ethan, Sydney; and special niece, Sharon Black, Sydney; sister-in-law, Phyllis (Richard) Howie and family, Sarnia, Ont.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, John Allan MacDonald, sister, Marie Black, his father and mother-in-law, John and Edith (Kelloway) Moores, brother-in-law, George Black and stepfather Jack Goodwin.
In accordance with Johnnie’s last wishes his body has been donated to Dalhousie University, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology. There will be no visitation. A committal service will be held upon his return at the completion of his donation.
The family would like to thank those caregivers who contributed to Johnnie’s comfort during his stay.
Donations in Johnnie’s memory can be made in to the Knox United Church in Glace Bay or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences can be sent to condolences.jmacdonald@gmail.com.
