John passed away peacefully on August 31, 2021, at the age of 82. He was born in Kings Head at his family home on July 1st, 1939 and was the eldest son of the late Angus Francis and Mary (Grant) MacDonald. A lover of family history, he could trace his ancestry beyond the MacDonalds 1783 settling of Kings Head in Pictou County, to Inverness-shire, Scotland. His aunt, Mrs. Kaye Gorman RN, and Mrs. Marie (Tom) MacQueen RN, were the midwives for his arrival, which marked one of the last home births in Kings Head.
He grew up in the country where he attended Kings Head School and later St. John’s Academy in New Glasgow. John would tell people that he always came in first or second in his class at Kings Head School, before revealing that there were only two in his class!
Following his studies, he went on to serve with the RCMP in the Toronto and Niagara regions. He then trained as a Red Seal Heavy Duty Equipment Technician before moving to Labrador City to work for the Iron Ore Company of Canada. He seized the opportunity to move back to his home province when he accepted a position with the Nova Scotia Power Corporation, and raised his family in Havre Boucher. Missing his roots, he and his wife eventually settled in Kings Head. Never one to slow down, after retirement he performed consulting and professional contract work for Asplundh Tree Services.
John's impressive work history was matched only by his community involvement. He was a long-standing and committed leader with Scouts Canada, providing mentorship to generations of children and young men and women. To this day, former Scouts and Venturers will check in on "Scouter John."
In keeping with his helping nature, he was a volunteer firefighter in Havre Boucher for over a decade, and a member of Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue for almost as long. In his later years he distinguished himself as the Grand Knight (4th degree) for the New Glasgow Knights of Columbus, an organization very close to his heart.
John took on challenges with zeal, whether that meant inventing hydraulic machines to split wood or finding a way to tow his family's home up the Northumberland Strait, with fishing boats no less! Folks say that you could give John a piece of wire, pliers and a wrench and he could fix anything. He was also a grand storyteller and loved nothing better than family gatherings where he would hold court. With a twinkle in his eye, he would regale everyone with tales that would bring the house down.
He loved being on the water, from his early days fishing with his father, to operating RCMP police boats, to tagging along on commercial fishing ventures with his friends in the industry. He enjoyed gardening as well, and kept up running battles with the many woodland creatures who tried to eat his vegetables. He was delighted by nature and all animals – ducks and deer only feared him during hunting season.
John was a devoted husband to the love of his life, Carolyn. After 60 years together, they grew in faith and love.
His son Alan was the apple of his eye, and John was Alan's hero, but Alan had a bit of competition from his "sister" - John's beloved dog, Shaddie. She was also a great source of joy and companionship in his life.
John was a man of faith and a proud member of St. John's Parish in New Glasgow. He was also a thoughtful neighbour and friend, and helped anyone in need, no questions asked. Everyone will remember his great warmth, humour and kindness. If someone was an underdog, then John was their champion.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn (Connolly), dear son, Alan (Amanda Soutar); cherished siblings, Margret Rowe, Betty Campbell, Mary Morris (Gerald), Gus (Kathleen) and Roseanne Chapman (Don); sister-in-law, Carol MacDonald, brothers and sisters-in-law Richard and Audrey Connolly, Lori and Jerry Betik; and a close cousin-in-law, Dr. Geraldine Thomas. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews and godchildren who thought the world of "Uncle Johnnie," and so many others who are not named here.
John was predeceased by his brother, Donald, mother-in-law, Dorothy Connolly, brothers-in-law, Pat Rowe, Neil Campbell, Herman Kemper, and sisters-in-law, Elaine (Connolly) Kemper and Linda (Connolly) MacPhee. He was also predeceased by a special cousin and best friend, James Gorman, and a nephew, Mark Connolly.
The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to all who helped and befriended John throughout his life.
Visitation 2-4 pm Monday in R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow. A private funeral mass will take place at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church. Knights of Columbus Council 1667 are asked to meet at Church Brook Cemetery, Little Harbour at 12:15pm Tuesday to conduct their service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA or a charity of choice.