J.R. Kenneth "Ken" MacDonald, of New Glasgow, peacefully passed away at the Aberdeen Hospital on May 2, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. Ken was born in New Glasgow on Oct. 22, 1938 to the late Charles and Elizabeth (Wadden). As a young boy, he joined the Stellarton Air Cadets and by 17 he signed up for the RCAF and trained to be an Air Frame Technician. The Air Force took Ken and his family across Canada, from Greenwood to Summerside, Cold Lake to Ottawa, and finally back to Shearwater where he retired in 1994 as a Captain after achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. During his 37 years of service, Ken served in HMCS Preserver/Protector/Huron/and Annapolis. He also served with 443/406/419 Squadron and several other Air Maintenance Squadrons. He received the Military Order of Merit. After his military career, Ken continued to work on Aircraft with IMP Aerospace.  However, no matter where the military took him, he was always happiest being with family at the cottage in Pictou Landing, or the camp in Landsdowne. Ken was an outstanding athlete and played hockey throughout high school and his military career including Old Timers’ hockey. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and sharing that passion with his son and grandson.

Ken is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Constance "Connie" MacDonald (Works), his cherished son, Kenneth (Dawn) MacDonald, and grandson, Sam. Ken is the last surviving member of his immediate family and was predeceased by his sisters, Margaret and Marie (Peter) Fraser. Several nieces and nephews are left to mourn his passing.

Family will receive visitors at the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow, on Tuesday, May 7th from 6-8pm. Funeral will be held Wednesday, May 8th at 11am from St John the Baptist Parish, 390 High Street, New Glasgow. Donations in Ken’s Memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, or 110 Northumberland Wing of the Royal Canadian Air Force Association, Stellarton.