Obituary of Cecil Joseph MacDonald

Cecil Joseph MacDonald- With broken hearts we announce the passing of our dear brother, father and uncle Cecil Joseph MacDonald in the early hours of May 29 in the Palliative Care unit of the Aberdeen Hospital after a two year battle of ill health and Cancer. He faced each hurdle bravely and with grace. Joe was born in New Glasgow, the eldest son of Cecil and Grace MacDonald nee Frost. As a youth Joe was involved in Minor Hockey having played, coached and refereed. He was in the scouting movement and was a proud Sea Cadet. He had the pleasure of attending Expo 67 with the Cadet program and spoke often of the memory of this. Joe was a member of St John's Ambulance for many years as both a trainer and responder. He spent several years in the CAF as an Army Reserves member. He enjoyed skating at the rink, watching his Bruins and Leafs, Blue Jays and the Expos in their heyday. He was an avid sports card collector and music lover, a hobby that he shared with his nephew Jeff. They would spend hours discussing their favorite albums and artists. Joe loved playing cards and his passion for darts was undeniable as at one time he played in four leagues at the same time. Joe was a proud member and supporter of the Royal Canadian Legion and was a member of Br. 28 in Stellarton. He volunteered many hours every day of the annual Poppy Campaign distributing Poppies and spreading word of the work of the Legion. Joe wore many hats throughout his work career. He was a laborer, a salesman. A truck driver. He worked as a crossing guard for many years and was employed by the Chronicle Herald. At age 51, he ventured out west to join his son Joey and worked in Brooks, Alberta as a meat processor and then back to sales. He returned to NS but spoke often and fondly of his adventures and the friends he made out there. Joe was seen as a quiet and unassuming man and he was but Joe knew everyone and everyone knew Joe. As quiet as he was, he loved to socialize one on one and could talk the ear off of you. He had a memory that amazed me and was always saying “remember when…..” He not only could relate the incident, but also the date, the time, who was there, and he never lost that ability right to the end. Joe passed away as he lived his life, quietly and without fanfare. Those of us who knew him and loved him will carry him with us forever. He is reunited with his loving parents and brother. Joe was predeceased by his parents Cecil and Grace MacDonald and his brother Giles MacDonald. He is survived by his sons Joey MacDonald, Stellarton and David MacDonald, New Glasgow and their mother Julia Hughes, Stellarton; his brother Reggie MacDonald ( Sandra) Westville; sister Candy Hubley, Westville; nephews Jeff Morrison, Nick MacDonald (Christina), Dartmouth; Jason MacDonald Lower Sackville; nieces: Angela MacDonald, New Glasgow; Jillian Burke (Chris) and grand- nephew Carter Burke, Lower Sackville; as well as a large extended family of cousins spread throughout Canada and the US. Cremation has taken place There will be a Legion Service for Joe at Br. 28 Stellarton and Celebration of Life when Covid restrictions allow. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, New Glasgow. angusfuneralhomes.com “Grief can only exist where there was first love” Today we are grieving you Joe. Yupper.