Obituary of Albert Angus MacDonald: New Waterford, Amherst

It is with heavy hearts, but beautiful memories of a life well lived, that we announce the passing of Albert Angus MacDonald, at age 87, at Gables Lodge in Amherst, NS on Saturday, February 3^rd, 2024.

Born in New Waterford, Albert was the eldest child of Albert ‘Butcher Boy’ and Isabel (Gillis) MacDonald.

He was predeceased by his parents, brother John James, sister Anna Mae and his beloved wife Marlene.

A loving husband and a dedicated family man, Dad often expressed his gratitude and pride about the life he and Mom had built together. He believed in leading by example and in doing what was right, not what was easy.

He was devoted to his family and is survived by his brother Charlie, daughter Juanita (Mike Hill) of Halifax, son Jason (June Burke) of Amherst and his grandsons, Spencer Dorey (Kathleen Balcom), Julian and Reece, as well as great grandson Miles John Albert. He loved a Sunday drive with Mom, a good meal and a turn around the dance floor.

A respected business owner, Albert ran the Heather Beverage Room alongside his father and youngest brother Charlie until its sale in 1992. Rudy and the other ‘regulars’ could always be counted on for a good laugh at the ‘war table’.

When he wasn’t running one of Mom’s many errands, Dad always found time to help a friend or volunteer in his community. With a great love of the outdoors, fostered by his own grandfather John James, Dad was eager to share his experience with anyone interested, but you had better be ready to walk through the woods all day!

A founding member of Cape Breton Search and Rescue, he also volunteered to teach Outdoor Survival and Gun Safety. Dad was passionate about staying active and found many ways to do so. He earned a fourth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, was a member of Velo Cape Breton, and spent many hours snowmobiling, waterskiing, camping, hiking and anything else that would get him outdoors.

If heaven exists, Dad is sitting on the cabin’s front porch holding Mom’s hand with Squire and Squeaky at his feet. Roy, George, John, and Eric are all there, watching Tina Turner rock Loch Lomond.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the staff at Gables Lodge in Amherst for the compassionate care they showed Dad in his last years.

Cremation has taken place.The visitation will be held on Friday, February 16th, 2024 from 7-9 pm in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 17th, 2024 at 10 am in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mt. Carmel Avenue, New Waterford. Interment in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cape Breton Search and Rescue or the Gables Lodge Fund. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca