Our Dad, Dennis Sylvester (DS) MacDonald, passed peacefully surrounded by love in the early morning hours of Friday, November 18th, 2022. In true DS fashion, he made sure he was early. Dad was the son of the late Alexander (Sandy) and Margaret (Peggy Poirier) MacDonald of Orien Avenue in the North End of New Glasgow where he was raised with his seven brothers and sisters. Dad’s, aka Sinned CamDlanod, stories of these days were not only entertaining but left us wondering how they all survived childhood. No sibling, friend, or family member was safe from being a star in one of these stories; he gave everyone equal playing time, all said with love.
He was very much a dedicated and loyal son, brother, father, grampie and friend. He wasn’t necessarily an emotional man, but if he gave you his time, even 15 minutes, you were special to him. Part of his public persona may have been that of a ‘grumpy old man"; he suffered no fools. But he lit up when he saw an old friend, was on stage, and especially when talking about and spending time with his grandchildren. Dad loved being the center of attention and the life of the party. He was the best storyteller; it was quick, to the point and left you in stitches. He didn’t let a little fib ruin a good story and his quick wit and one-liners were his trademark.
DS lived simply. He was a content man and wanted for little. He appeared to be stubborn, but he knew who he was, and was a man who knew how to stand his ground. No meant no. He also wasn’t afraid to say it like it was, both important traits to have in this world. He did despise a fly in his house, rabbit food and BSers. He loved all things country music, especially singing and playing in front of a crowd with his former bands, Cheerokee, Country Spurs and Dennis and Bud. He had a fondness for his guitars; movies; reading mystery novels; yard sales; making puzzles; trivia; a good biscuit and Cindy Day. He was also known for his timeliness (if you aren’t at least 20 minutes early, you’re late.); his very short, almost drive-by visits; his cover of Rindersella and the Sugly Isters; and his love for his Montreal Canadiens.
Dad was loved by his children: Leslie MacDonald (Colin Aikman); Debbie Bowen (Scott); Michael (Wendy); Chris (Amber) and Alex. He didn’t just read us bedtime stories but serenaded us with songs. He adored his grandchildren Bailee, Tanner and Sydney Bowen; Beatrice Aikman; Cameron and Lauren MacDonald; and his little Laney MacDonald. He is also survived by sisters, Betty (Ivan) Murray and Eileen McKay; brothers, Bert and Russell (Wanda); sisters-in-laws, Kathleen, Linda and Anne; long-time friend and partner in crime, Barry Trenholm (Marilyn); many adoring nieces and nephews and countless friends. Along with his parents, Dad was predeceased by his brothers Philip, Jeff, Allan and his baby granddaughter, Lily Diana MacDonald.
We would like to send our sincere gratitude to Drs. Janneke Gradstein; Keith Short; Dan Stojanovic and all the nurses on med/surgical at Cumberland Regional Healthcare Center; VON Amherst and the Palliative Care teams in New Glasgow and Amherst.
A visitation and service will take place at R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow, on Monday, November 21st from 12-3pm with a service to follow immediately at 3pm.