Steve MacDonald
96, Sydney
It is with heavy hearts we the family regret to announce the death of Stephen Leonard MacDonald on Sunday, April 6, 2014, at home with his family by his side, at the age of 96.
He was born and raised, the son of the late Lauchlin and Christine (MacGillivary) MacDonald, in Sydney.
He graduated from Sydney Academy and started his working career at Ideal Ice Cream, the advertising department of the Sydney Post Record and moved on to be a broker for Scottie’s Potato Chips.
Steve devoted a great part of his life as a builder and organizer of sports in Atlantic Canada. He was inducted into the Nova Scotia Heritage Sport Hall of Fame in 1986 and inducted into the Cape Breton Sport Hall of Fame in 1998. Dad was president of the Maritime Amateur Hockey Association for seven years and director for six years.
He was president of the Sydney Millionaires from 1953 to 1954. He drew up the constitution for the Nova Scotia Hockey Association, and he was also the first man to bring European hockey clubs to Atlantic Canada. Dad toured Canada with teams from Russia, Finland, West Germany, Poland and Romania. He was also instrumental in Newfoundland’s entry into the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association. He assisted in the formation of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League.
Dad was also deeply involved in softball, baseball and bowling. Steve loved Cape Breton, his strong Scottish heritage and the summers he spent in Red Islands. His home was always open to family and friends. He was of clear mind and active up until his death.
Steve is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ethel (McLennan); children, Cheryl (Ian) Macgregor, Comox, B.C., Jan (Dennis) MacDonald, Stephen (Sheila) MacDonald, both of Sydney; sisters, Margaret MacNeil and Sister Mary Cecilia MacDonald, also both of Sydney. He is survived by his grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as Boppa, Jenna White, Lauren (Ryan) Currie, Jennifer MacDonald (Matthew Ernst), Ashley MacDonald, Brian MacDonald, Leah MacDonald; greatgrandchildren, Ashlee Davies and Charley Currie.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Angus, Hughie, Bernie ‘Bessie’, Raymond, Donald, Norman and sisters, Kay and Anne.
Visitation for the late Mr. MacDonald will be from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Thursday, April 10, 2014, at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Bill Burke officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
The family would like to thank Dr. Liam Orrell for his care and support.
Donations in Steve’s memory may be made to the C.B. Palliative Care Society or charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com.