On the morning of Wednesday, August 17, Allan Michael MacDonald of High Street, New Glasgow, passed away unexpectedly in the Aberdeen Hospital after a very brief illness, leaving behind his grief-stricken family.  Allan was born on December 21,1944 to the late Alexander (Red Sandy) and Margaret (Peggy) MacDonald. He grew up in "the prefabs" of his beloved North End, New Glasgow with his seven brothers and sisters.  

Dad played baseball, softball, and hockey in his younger years, later, as all pros, he retired to golf.  He was active in his son Mark’s hockey life, managing teams and driving countless NHL hopefuls to 6am practices and games across the province.  Allan loved country music, a great party, dancing, traveling, reading, a good meal, a cold beer and his beloved Red Wings, who he never lost faith in. He loved all movies, especially on the big screen; Big Al’s Crib Tournaments; and in the last few years, Friday card games with supportive friends.   But what brought the biggest smile to his face was children.  He loved to hear all of their funny stories, bring them popsicles and hear them giggle. 

Dad was a welder by trade and later worked in steel fabrication.  Early in his career, he worked at Glasgow Metals, but spent most of his work life at Trenton Works as a supervisor and later superintendent of fabrication.  He loved to talk about the time he spent in Indonesia and India where he was sent with a team to instruct local workers. 

Dad had a special relationship with his Lord.  He was a lifelong and active member of St. John the Baptist Church. He could often be found in the church gatherings in his happy place, flipping pancakes and washing dishes. He was a Eucharistic Minister and participated in the Cursillo Movement where he made lifelong friends. He looked forward to meeting his Saturday Morning Prayer group, friendships he cherished for 41 years. 

Dad loved his family dearly. He is survived by his wife and "Sweetie" of 56 years, Linda (nee, Joyce); children: Kathy (and Sean Barrie), Lori (Darryl) and Mark (and Tabia); his most favorite humans, his grandchildren: Emily, Clark, Matthew (his Turkey), Owen, Drew and chosen granddaughter, Adreanna.  He is also survived by siblings: Betty (Ivan Murray); Dennis; Bert; Russell (Wanda) and Eileen McKay; in-laws and friends: Kathleen MacDonald, Lloyd Joyce, Melda Dwyer, and Anne MacDonald; many nieces, nephews and godchildren, who could always count on him for one of his huge hugs.

Dad was predeceased by his brothers, Philip and Jeff whom he cherished and spoke about often; parents-in-law, Edgar and Hannah who loved him like their own; his brother-in-law and partner in crime, Billy Dwyer; his sassy sister-in-law, Marilyn Deadder; and his sister-in-law and friend, Pat Joyce.   

Visitation will be held at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Avenue, New Glasgow on Thursday, August 25 from 2-4 and 6:30-8pm.  Services will be held at Saint John the Baptist Church at 390 High Street, New Glasgow on Friday, August 26 at 2pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chalice Canada (www.chalice.ca), Pictou County Food Bank or a charity of your choice. Saint John the Baptist CWL will meet at the funeral home at 1:30pm Thursday for prayers.

Someday someone might come into your life and love you the way you have always wanted. If your someday was yesterday, learn. If your someday is tomorrow, hope. If your someday is today, cherish.