Obituary of John Hugh MacDonald

MacDONALD, John Hugh - 83, Port Hawkesbury, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, July 20, 2004, in Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. He died as he lived, surrounded by love. He was a son of the late Duncan A. and Florence (Jamieson) MacDonald. John was a veteran of the Second World War. He was also a career soldier in the Canadian Forces until his retirement in 1972 after serving 30 years. He then worked 13 years with the Department of Transportation (Canso Causeway). He was a member of St. Joseph's Parish, Port Hawkesbury, and a charter member of the Port Hawkesbury Knights of Columbus Council. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, where he held several executive positions and was awarded several medals in recognition of services rendered. John was also presented a citation in appreciation of meritorious service rendered on behalf of the members of the Credit Union and the entire Credit Union Movement. He was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather, and will be greatly missed by his family. His love of life and fabulous sense of humour will live on in the lives of all the people who were fortunate enough to call him a friend. His final words were an expression of love to his wife and lifetime companion, Effie (former Effie Gillis). He was a proud father of five children and 11 grandchildren. His children are Terry and wife Maureen, Grantville; Marie and husband Gus, Victoria; Stewart and wife Ruby, Hureauville; Anne and husband Rob, Amherst; Georgina and husband Keith, Victoria. He is also survived by his sister, Sister Winnifred, Bethany. He was predeceased by brothers, Stewart, Donald, Bruce, Howard, and Lornie; sisters, Lila, Marie, Dorothy, and Hilda. Special thanks to Anne Ferguson, all the home care workers and staff at Strait Richmond Hospital who provided loving support and care. Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. today, with Legion service at 7 p.m. and vigil service at 8:30 p.m., all in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Funeral mass 2 p.m. Friday, July 23, in St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Father Bill Crispo officiating. Burial in the parish cemetery. Donations in memory of John can be made to Strait Richmond Palliative Care Society. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com