MACDONALD, Rev. John Charles ‘ Jackie’
Coxheath
Our loving husband, father, and grandfather, Rev. Jackie ( John Charles) MacDonald, lost his fight on Wedne sday, July 1, 2015, in the CCU department at the Infirmary Hospital at the QE II, Halifax, N.S.
Born in Glace Bay on Oct. 19, 1930, he was the son of the late John Archie and Rose (Rennie) MacDonald.
He was proudly brought up in Bridgeport with his nine brothers and sisters. In his younger years he worked for the Dominion Coal Company as a weighman. On New Year’s Eve in 1963, he met the love of his life, Sheila MacDonald. They were married on July 16, 1966. Jackie decided the ministry was his calling. He attended St. FX Junior College and in 1967 he attended Pine Hill Divinity College. In 1970, he was ordained into the United of Church of Canada in Sackville, N.B.
Jackie’s first charge was in St. Anns Bay where he met many wonderful people. In 1974, he was called to the Westmount-St. Columba charge where he spent 21 incredible years. In 1977, he was instrumental in building of the superstructure of the Westmount United Church above the existing basement. In appreciation, the congregation gave he and Sheila a trip to the Holy Land. In 1982 he initiated the raising of the St. Columba church and built a hall beneath it. One of his proudest moments was when the St. Columba congregation named the hall, “The Rev. Jackie MacDonald Hall” in his honour.
Jackie was a communityminded man. He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, made over 100 donations to the the Canadian Blood Donor Clinic, as well as the Westmount Fire Department. Daddy loved country music, crosswords and jigsaw puzzles, the Toronto Blue Jays and Maple Leafs. He was a fierce and loyal father and friend. Our hearts are broken.
He is survived by his loving wife Sheila; his son Darrell (Kathy) and their children Alexander (Courtney), Emma Rose (Niles) Peterson, and Calum; his daughters Mora and her children Fiona and Alasdair Brett; Heather ( Joe) Garabb and their children Tyler Richards and Carter MacKenzie. He was eagerly looking forward to the birth of his first two great-grandchildren who are due in August.
He also survived by his two sisters Rose Baretta and Muriel Campbell, both of Bridgeport; his brother-in-law Rev. Ian K. (Virginia) and sisters-in-law Gwen MacDonald and Paulette MacDonald. He was a proud uncle to his many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly and they loved right back.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brothers, Hugh Alexander and Billy; his sisters Mabel Tellum, Helen MacNeil, Ruth Farrell, Elaine Arseneau and Lydia Boutilier.
Visitation will be Saturday, July 4, 2015, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Sydney Memorial Chapel. Funeral will be in the Westmount United Church at 2 p.m., Sunday, with his brother-in-law, Rev. Ian K. MacDonald and his dear friend Rev. Thomas Whent presiding. Reception to follow in the church hall.
We would like to thank first and foremost his wonderful and caring doctor, Dr. Greg Myatt, for his care and jokes over the years. We are truly grateful to the incredible nurses and staff of 4C at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and 6.2 at the Halifax Infirmary.
Donations can be made in Jackie’s name at the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or email sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sym patico.ca.