Errol MacDonald
Born In: Glace Bay
Born: July 2nd, 1945
Passed in: Whitney Pier
Passed on: December 25th, 2013
The death of Rev. J. Errol MacDonald occurred on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2013, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Glace Bay on July 2, 1945, Errol was the son to the late John R. ‘Dau Blue’ and Catherine (MacKinnon) MacDonald.
Errol attended local schools and graduated from St. F.X. in 1965. He taught in the former Glace Bay School system and later the Cape Breton District School system from 1965 to 1985 in MacKay’s Corner, St. Anthony and St. Anne Schools – Glace Bay.
In 1985 he began studies at St. Paul’s Seminary, Ottawa, Ont., and was ordained in 1989 for service in the Diocese of Antigonish. His first posting was co-pastor at St. Anthony Daniel Parish followed by service as Pastor at Holy Guardian Angels in L’Ardoise and Holy Redeemer, Sydney, for 13 years, retiring in 2011.
From 1970 to 1990, Fr. Errol MacDonald took a great interest in the Scottish and Irish culture of Cape Breton lending his talents as singer at many local events and throughout his priestly ministry endeared himself to many of his parishioners.
Fr. Errol MacDonald is survived by his sisters, Anna (Nick) Sinclair, Glace Bay, and Cathy (Dan) Seklecki, Mass., USA, as well as his brother, Jimmie (Helen), Halifax; niece, Lorelle and nephews, Robbie (Lisa), Shamus (Jeslyn), Scott and Matthew; as well as grandnieces, Kate and Ellie and grandnephews, Luke, Tucker and Neil who loved their uncle and granduncle Angie dearly, as he loved them.
Fr. Errol was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts.
Visitation for the late Rev. J. Errol MacDonald will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, from 6-9 p.m. and on Monday, Dec. 30 from 1-4 p.m. The body will be transferred to Holy Redeemer Church for Vigil Service at 7 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013, at 10 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Church with Bishop Brian J. Dunn and priests of the Diocese of Antigonish con-celebrating. Reception will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, followed by burial at St. Barra’s Cemetery, Christmas Island.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rev. J. Errol MacDonald may be made to the Holy Redeemer Building Fund.
Special thanks given to Dr. Worth, Dr. Harless, staff of Cancer Centre, Palliative Care and City Homeworkers Continuous Care and all others who visited and care for him.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.pierfuneralhome.com.
M’ Anam Do Dhia – My Soul to God
