Obituary of Burns MacDonald

Robert “Burns” MacDonald of Thorburn, N.S, passed away peacefully at the Willow Lodge in Tatamagouche, N.S. on Nov.30, 2021, in his 90th year. A lifelong resident of Thorburn, and his parents’ home on Finlay Dan Road, Burns was born on June 20, 1932, the youngest child of the late Finlay Dan MacDonald, and the late Elsie May (Crockett) MacDonald. While Burns did manage to graduate high school, he excelled on the piano. Self- taught from a very young age, he had the amazing ability to make the keys of the piano sing. He was a church organist for over 50 years and a lifelong member of Clan Donald. There were many concerts, funerals, weddings, church services, and family gatherings enriched by Burns music. He made his living with Fanjoy’s Menswear and later with Goodman’s Co. Ltd., but his life was in his music. Burns delivered many used pianos all over the countryside with the assistance of his “Manager”, Johnnie Robson. He was able to do what he loved fulltime later in life entertaining bus tours that would arrive at Rainbow Valley in Cavendish, PEI. Burns is survived by his children; Peter (Sherrill), Cambridge-Narrows, NB; Martha (Cameron MacLean), Montague, PEI; grandchild, Margaret, Montague, PEI. He is also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews: Anne (Philip Landry), Pictou: Robert, Thorburn; Kenneth (Calgary); Marilyn (Vickie), The Ponds; Alan (Calgary); Helen (Byron) MacGregor, Big Island; Brenda (Keith) LaPierre, Truro; Hugh (Janet), Halifax; David, Halifax, Ruth (Pierre) Bougie, Middle Sackville. He will be greatly missed by his oldest brother, Reverend D. Ross MacDonald, New Glasgow. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by brother, Earle C. MacDonald, and sisters –in –law, Marie MacDonald, and Nancy MacDonald. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 6, 2021 from 12 – 1 pm in the H.W. Angus Funeral Home 256 King St., New Glasgow from where the funeral service will be held at 1 pm with Rev. Charles McPherson officiating. A reception will follow. Burial will be in the Thorburn Cemetery. Donations may be made to Thorburn Cemetery or the Willow Lodge Palliative Care Room Fund. Masks are mandatory, proof of double vaccination is required to attend the visitation, funeral or reception. www.angusfuneralhomes.com