Rev. John Fraser MacDonald
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: March 12th, 2015
It is with sadness the family announces the death of Fraser MacDonald on Thursday, March 12, 2015 in Sydney, N.S.; after deteriorating health from Vascular Dementia.
Born in Sydney; the son of John Angus MacDonald and Annie (Gordon) MacDonald. He grew up on the family farm in Dutch Brook where there was an abundance of love, lots of cousins and laughter and fondly remembered by many as Jeep. Fraser graduated from Sydney Academy, Mount Allison University and Pine Hill Divinity School. In his earlier years Fraser served the church as a student minister in Sunnybrook, Alberta, West Bay and Loch Lomond, Cape Breton. In 1966 Fraser was ordained into The Christian ministry of The United Church of Canada at the Maritime Conference; he continued his education by graduating with a Masters of Divinity from the Atlantic School of Theology in 1983.
Fraser‘s first pastoral charge was in Bermuda at The Wesleyan Methodist Church. In his 35 years as a minster Fraser served at The United Church in York, P.E.I., Nashwaaksis United Church in Fredericton, N.B., First United Church in Sydney, N.S., Marysville, N.B. and St. Anns Bay, N.S.
Survived by his wife, Kathy Cranton and children, Matthew (Tina), Miriam (Will), Ian (Julie) and Tim (Monique). Grandchildren, Alexander, Jean, Calum, Katie, Sarah (Scutt), Maria, Keira, Alyssa and Erika and predeceased by infant grandson, Benjamin Scutt.
Also survived by sisters-in-law, Norma MacDonald (Mackie), Eva (late Bob) Colpitts; brother-in-law, Gordon(Betty) Cranton.
Besides his parents he was predeceased by brothers, Reverend Jim 'Sonny', wife Evelyn and twin brother, Malcolm 'Mackie'.
Besides many church related activities Fraser enjoyed gardening and canoeing as well as community events; The Golden K, Loaves and Fishes, Meals on Wheels. He had a love for genealogy especially researching the family Clan Donald and Angus of Cape Breton.
Fraser touched many people’s lives on his faith journey. His quick wit, sense of humour and compassion endeared him to all he met.
Visitation will be Friday, March 20th 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Sydney Memorial Chapel. The funeral service will be on Saturday, March 21st, 2 p.m. at United Heritage Church, Charlotte Street, Sydney.
Two of Fraser’s favourite charities were Amnesty International and Loaves and Fishes.
Fraser will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or emailed to sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
