Obituary of Martin McDonough, Glace Bay

With broken hearts, the family of Martin Joseph McDonough, 71 regret to announce his peaceful passing at his home in Glace Bay on April 23, 2025.

Martin was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He was born on December 6, 1953 in Glace Bay, NS to his parents, Patrick and Zita (MacPhee) McDonough.

Martin was a graduate of Atlantic Police Academy at Holland College, PEI. He went on to pursue a career with the Glace Bay Police Department until his retirement. The highlight of his career was his K9 training with the Ontario Provincial Police in Gravenhurst, Ontario and the years that followed as K9 officer with his trusted partner, Kavik, by his side. Throughout his career, Martin was the proud recipient of Canada’s Star of Courage award in Ottawa for bravely rescuing a local family from fire.

Martin is survived by his wife Glenda (Matheson), daughters Melissa (Brian) McDonough- Howley of Sydney, Amy (Ryan) McDonough of Halifax and son Daniel (Libby) Dillon and their daughter, Sophie, of Donkin, who came to know him later in life.

He will be sadly missed by his cherished grandchildren Evan and Kate Howley. He is also survived by his brother Michael (Sandra) of Glace Bay, sisters-in-law Denise Cull McDonough and Kathryn Bruce, his aunt Ruth MacLean, many beloved cousins and his nieces and nephews, Dayna, Zita, Dennis and Jonathan. Also left to miss him is Matthew Lever who held a very special place in Martin’s heart.

Besides his parents, Martin was predeceased by his brother, Dennis, and brothers- in- law Joseph Mullins, Donald Matheson and James Bruce.

An avid hockey player in his younger years, Martin brought that same competitive spark and teamwork off the ice in every aspect of his life- whether tending his flourishing gardens or casting a line in the rivers and forests of Margaree on hunting and fishing excursions. In recent years, his greatest joy was sitting rink-side, proudly cheering on his beloved grandchildren, Evan and Kate, in hockey and figure skating. Fiercely loyal and unwaveringly supportive to everyone he loved, he gave generously of his time, his wisdom and his resources. We will always remember his kind heart, his giving spirit and that stubborn attitude that reminded us that some things- like family and friendship- are simply worth fighting for.

Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Susan MacLeod for her compassionate care over the years.

Cremation has taken place. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home on 16 Reserve Street in Glace Bay. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 28, from 7:00-9:00 pm. A funeral service will be celebrated at the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, April 29 at 11:00 am. followed by a reception. Fr. Norman MacPhee presiding.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SPCA, Cape Breton shelter. Expressions of sympathy can be made by visiting www.vjmcgillivray.ca.

 “Say not in grief ‘he is no more’ but in thankfulness that he was.” - Hebrew Proverb