MACDONALD, John James

Passed away Tuesday, August 31, 2021. John was born in Kings Head at his family home on July 1st, 1939. He was the eldest son of the late Angus Francis and Mary (Grant) Macdonald, and his arrival marked one of the last home births in King's Head. He attended Kings Head School and St. John’s Academy in New Glasgow. He went on to serve in the RCMP, and then worked as a Heavy-duty Mechanic for Iron Ore Company of Canada, N.S. Power Corporation and Asplundh Tree Services. John was a volunteer fire fighter in Havre Boucher, a committed Scout leader, and he distinguished himself as the Grand Knight for the New Glasgow Knights of Columbus. He was also a devoted husband, a caring father, a thoughtful neighbour and a man of faith, respected by all. If anyone needed help, John was there to provide it, no questions asked. If someone was an underdog, then John was their champion. He took on challenges with zeal, from homemade inventions to towing his home up the Northumberland Strait. He loved being on the water and was a grand storyteller. He was also delighted by nature and all animals. Ducks and deer only feared him during hunting season. John is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Carolyn (Connolly); son Alan (Amanda Soutar); siblings, Margret Rowe, Betty Campbell, Mary Morris (Gerald), Gus (Kathleen) and Roseanne Chapman (Don); sister-in-law, Carol Macdonald; brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Audrey Connolly, and Lori and Jerry Betik. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews and god children who thought the world of “Uncle Johnnie,” and so many others who are not named here. He was predeceased by brother, Donald, brothers-in-law, Pat Rowe, Neil Campbell, Herman Kemper, sisters-in-law, Elaine (Connolly) Kemper and Linda (Connolly) Macphee. The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to all who helped and befriended John throughout his life. Visitation 2-4 pm Monday in R.H. Porter Funeral Home, 55 Almont Ave., New Glasgow. A private funeral mass will take place at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church. Knights of Columbus Council 1667 are asked to meet at Church Brook Cemetery, Little Harbour at 12:15pm Tuesday to conduct their service. Donations in his memory may be made to a charity of choice. For full obituary or to send condolences please visit: www.rhporter.ca