MACDONALD, MERLYN GALE - It is with great sadness that we, the family of Merlyn Gale MacDonald, announce his passing at his home in Chipman, NB on Thursday, Feb 20th, 2014. Merlyn was born on Feb 25th. 1941 in Ripples, NB to his parents Rev. Paul and Ada MacDonald, who moved to Chipman when Merlyn was five. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Betty (Cassidy), their sons Cameron (Joanne) of New Maryland, Brad (friend Paulette) of Gaspereau Forks, Carson (Andrea) of Village of Gagetown and David (Natalie) of Noonan; their grandchildren Liam, Alexa, Madison, Mallory, Kieran and Cassie Lynn, his sister Zonya (Michael) Dykeman and brother Cyril (Muriel) MacDonald, sisters-in-law Linda (Gordon) Chase and Susan (Bob) Brown, as well as many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents Merlyn was predeceased in 1961 by a brother Laurel, and an infant grandson Brayden in 2004. Over his lifetime Merlyn worked for Shaw Brick Plant, NB Coal Ltd, and Grand Lake Timber as well as being self-employed with his own companies involving trucking and aquaculture. In his younger days he played sports- basketball, hockey, and softball- extending his love of sports into coaching all these sports over the years with teenagers of the community. He along with his wife enjoyed arranging trips with them, taking them to tournaments far and wide—Nfld, Quebec, Boston and Victoria BC. His love for God and his church were priorities in his life: he served as a trustee of the Chipman United Pentecostal Church for nearly 50 years, rarely missing a meeting. Although he had many health issues over the past years, his desire was to keep working, keep going and keep positive. He was able to do that with the help of many others. The family wish to express special thanks to Dad’s caregivers- the doctors, extra-mural nurses, dialysis-teaching team; all of whom went beyond the call of duty in caring for him and helping him “keep going”.
Visitation will be held at the Chipman United Pentecostal Church, 327 Main St on Saturday, Feb 22nd 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm with a memorial service celebrating his life at the church on Sunday Feb 23rd at 2 pm.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Chipman Funeral Home.
Should you wish to make a donation in memory of Merlyn, we suggest The Kidney Foundation, Canadian Diabetes Association or United Pentecostal Church Memorial Fund. http://www.chipmanfuneralhome.ca