MACDONALD, Joseph Ralph

It is with great sadness we announce the death of Joseph Ralph Macdonald of Antigonish. Ralph passed away on December 15, 2020, in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, at 75 years of age with his family at his side. Born in Antigonish, he was a son of the late William Joseph and Mabel Eunice (Hattie) Macdonald of Lochaber. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 50 years, Margaret Barbara ( Dewolfe); and loving and caring father to Charles (Kimberly), St. Andrews; Ernie (Susan), Port Williams; Glenn (Gina), Sherwood Park, Alta.; Trina (Donald) Pardington, Fredericton, N. B.; and Christopher (Rachel), New Berlin, N.Y. Doting grandfather to grandchildren, Grace, Caroline, Daniel, Aaron, Will, Christopher, Riley, Isobel, Avery, Finn, Fraser, and Luke who always brought a glint to his eye whenever they were around; eldest brother to Clement (Caroline) and Ernest (Bernadette) of Lochaber; Joan ( Doug) Petruk of Camrose, Alta.; Robert (Nona) of Stellarton; and Francis (Theresa) of Springfield, who was also his best friend. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. Ralph was a strong, kind, and fair man, who loved to laugh, and he was never one to raise his voice. Ralph was a lifelong educator, starting his 31year career at the age of 19 in the Annapolis Valley, before coming back to Guysborough County, where he continued and finished his career which ranged from classroom teacher, guidance counselor, principal, superintendent, and to regional coordinator of several portfolios for the Guysborough County District School Board. He was a lifelong 4-H leader and supporter, long after his children had aged out of the program. He and Barb both enjoyed camping and square dancing with their RV Club, calling and teaching square dancing to the next generation. That, along with gardening, were his two loves, outside of the unwavering love he had for his family. Over the last four years, Ralph spent as much time in his second home, the PCU in St. Martha’s, as he did at his actual home. The staff in that unit have certainly become a very important part of our family for the care, support, friendship, and kindness they showed our father over the past few years, as well as to Dr. Cudmore, his family doctor for over 30 years, Dr. Howard, and the rest of the doctors and staff at St. Martha’s, to whom we can never repay the gratitude we feel for the care, respect and willingness to go above and beyond that you all showed. The family would also thank the care providers from Melrose and Antigonish Victorian Order of Nurses. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 18th, 2-4 p.m., and 6-9 p.m., in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College St., Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held in St. Ninian Cathedral on Saturday, December 19th at 11 a.m. Burial will be at a later date in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Lochaber. There will also be a public celebration of life when health guidelines allow. In Memoriam, donations may be made to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Cemetery Fund, Victorian Order of Nurses (Melrose or Antigonish), or a charity of your choice. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com