NEW GLASGOW - Henry Edgar (Duff) MacDonald passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2009, at the Northumberland Veteran’s Unit in Pictou.
Born March 13, 1918, in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, to William James and Eva (Way) MacDonald, Duff graduated from Mount Alison University with a B.Sc. in 1939, and taught at the Mount Alison Academy for two years.
He joined the Canadian Army in 1942 as a Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Artillery and served in Canada, England and NW Europe.
Upon return to Canada, he married Jean Macdonald in 1946 and attended the University of Toronto to complete post-graduate studies in education.
Returning to N.S. he joined the staff at New Glasgow High School to teach math and was principal of New Glasgow Junior High School for 25 years. Duff was an active member of the Nova Scotia Headmasters Association and participated in school curling, rugby, army cadets and pipe and drum bands.
His involvement in Cadets took him to National Cadet Camps in Alberta and Jamaica. He was president of the National Cadet Services of Canada. He spent 20 years instructing at army cadet camps and was awarded the Centennial Medal and the Canadian Decoration and Clasp.
As a member of Trinity United Church, he served as Sunday school teacher, elder, honorary elder and member of the board of stewards. Interest in his Scottish heritage led Duff to serve as Commissioner of Clan Donald for Nova Scotia, and as president of the St. Andrews Society and the New Glasgow Festival of the Tartans. Duff was a member of the New Glasgow Gyro Club, Albion Lodge, Pictou County Shrine and the Royal Canadian Legion.
A caring and thoughtful husband and father, he took pride in his three children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandson.
He is survived by Jean, his wife of 63 years, daughter, Ellen (Eric Gozna) of St. Andrews, N.B.; sons, Bruce (Sheila Holmes), Gaspereau, N.S.; and Ross (Shelly White), Port Elgin, Ont; seven grandchildren: Alison (Gozna) Brazeau (Dan), Cate (Gozna) Willett (Jordan), Ethan, Alana, Blake MacDonald and Jessica and Rachel MacDonald; and great-grandson, Joseph Eric Brazeau.
He is also survived by brothers, Douglas (Connie) MacDonald, Sydney Mines, Keith (Pat) MacDonald, Wolfville; and brother-in-law, Todd Hickey of Sydney Mines.
He was predeceased by brother, Horace (Chris) MacDonald, sister, Shirley Hickey, brother-in-law, Ian Macdonald and his wife, Mary, and brother-in-law, Allister Macdonald (Beth), Toronto.
Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday in the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow.
Funeral service 2 p.m. Wednesday in Trinity United Church with Rev. Arlene Riches officiating.
Reception to follow. Burial will be in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens. Family flowers only please. Memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Canadian Diabetic Association or the charity of one’s choice.
Royal Canadian Legion Br. 34 New Glasgow will meet at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to conduct their service.
Albion Masonic Lodge will meet at the funeral home at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday to conduct their service.
Condolences at: www.rhporter.ca