With heartfelt sadness the family announce the death of Jeff (John Francis) MacDonald of Munroe Ave. Ext. on July 12, 2014 at home after a long and courageous battle with cancer but still remaining positive each day.  Born in New Glasgow, NS, in 1948, he was a son of the late Alexander and Margaret (Poirer) MacDonald.  Jeff is survived by his wife Kathleen (Johnston) of 43 years, sons, Blaine (Sally Janes) and Dr. Clayton (Dr. Priyanka Pundir). As a member of St. Paul’s United Church he served as a session member for many years.  Following his diagnosis he became an active member of the Pictou County Prostate Support Group where he was the recipient of much friendship and support. A welder by trade having been employed by Glasgow Metals and Maritime Steel for the last 22 years.  Throughout his life Jeff was a very generous and dedicated volunteer who helped with many community endeavors.  One of his special commitments was the 42 years spent improving and caring for the Mount William Cemetery.  He was a very kind and caring person and had a gift of making every child feel special and he loved to laugh. A hug was his signature greeting. Jeff was a very devoted husband and father who loved his family, his dogs and the Toronto Blue Jays.  He is survived by siblings, Betty (Ivan) Murray, Philip (Anne), Dennis, Alan (Linda), Bert, Russell (Wanda) and Eileen MacKay, brother and sister-in-law, Ross and Ruth Campbell, brother-in-law, Richard Cochrane.  He was predeceased by father and mother-in-law, Andrew and Laura Johnston, sister-in-law, Lois Cochrane, brother-in-law, Phillip Johnston, and many aunts and uncles.  Jeff was blessed to be under the care of Dr. Lori Wood, Dr. Gerry Farrell and palliative care nurses, Rhonda, Debbie and Pat and the VON.  Visitation Tuesday, July 15 from 2-4 and 6-9 pm in the R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow, with funeral service on Wednesday, July 16 at 2 pm at St. Paul’s United Church, Westville, with the Rev. Doug Pilsworth officiating.  Interment in Mount William Cemetery.  Family flowers only.  Donations may be made to the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society, Pictou County Prostate Support Group or St. Paul’s United Church. 

"To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die."