Obituary of James Elmer MacDonald

MacDonald, James Elmer- It is with profound sadness that his family announces the passing of James Elmer MacDonald. He passed away peacefully on Sept 3, 2023, with his family by his side. Born in River Denys, Inverness County, and raised in Piedmont, Pictou County, he was the first born of the late Edith Sangster and Elmer MacDonald and was the loving son of the late Marshall Sangster. He was a proud graduate of East Pictou High School, and St. Francis Xavier University where he earned his BA in philosophy, BEd and Master of Education. His lifelong passion for learning and intellectual pursuits paved the way for his career in education. A gifted leader, his very first assignment was a teaching principal at Hillside School. He concluded his career as the CEO of the Chignecto-Central School Board. A highlight of his career was his 3-year service (1986-1989) with the Department of National Defence. As Director of Dependents Education Overseas, he had responsibilities for schools in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Not only did this offer him another exciting leadership opportunity, but it also allowed his entire family to work and travel throughout Europe. He served as Canadian Governor for international schools in Europe and on the Board of Governors for St. F.X. University. He was president of the Association of the Nova Scotia Educational Administrators and served on the Executive committee of the Canadian Education Association. Elmer spent many years involved in supporting political campaigns and was co-campaign manager for Brian Mulroney’s successful bid for MP for Central Nova. Beyond his professional life, Elmer possessed a diverse range of interests. He loved philosophy, politics and poetry. He enjoyed swinging a hammer, renovating and building. He spent hours on his sawmill and tending to his properties. He never shied away from hard work and his work ethic was second to none. He loved to share the “camp” at Halfway Cove with his loved ones. He was happiest when he was surrounded by family. A great admirer of nature, he found much joy puttering around the woods and waxing philosophically about big ideas with his family. He loved to chat about the weather as well as Aristotle. His positive influential role as an educational leader was equalled by his strong influence on his family. He married Patricia DeCoste, the love of his life, in 1963. Together they raised a strong, loving family. His wisdom, kindness, generosity, and willingness to help extended to his children and their families and to the many siblings, nieces, and nephews who often sought his advice and support. Elmer considered his family to be the most important thing in life. This brilliant and loving man is survived by his wife of 60 years Pat (DeCoste); children: Sherri MacDonald (John MacDonnell), Sam DeCoste, Dr. Jeannie MacDonald (Dr. Beth Taylor), James MacDonald (Candy); eight grandchildren: Kenzie and Ewan MacDonnell, Ryley and Kaden MacDonald, Olive, Sadie, Angus, and Edwin Taylor-MacDonald; brothers: Wayne (Elizabeth), Fred Sangster (Linda), Howard Sangster, Jim Sangster (Carol); sisters: Jean Cameron (late Sandy), Alice Whitewood (Sam), Noreen Fitt (Pat), Marilyn Richey (Robert Presseau), Edith Wright, Valerie Gillis. He was predeceased by his brother Lawrence Sangster. He is survived by many nieces and nephews whom he cared about deeply. Visitation at H.W. Angus Funeral Home on Thursday, Sept. 7 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. There will be a celebration of life at The Pictou County Wellness Center, Tim Hortons Room 2nd Floor, Friday, Sept. 8 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the THE SHEPHERD'S LUNCH ROOM or to a charity of your choice. angusfuneralhomes.com “What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.” – Helen Keller