Trot Insider has learned that John Donald D.D. MacDonald died peacefully with family at his side on Friday, March 3 in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital. He was 77.
He is survived by his loving, dedicated wife of 55 years, Sandra. He enjoyed his large family of seven children. Patricia "Toodie" MacPhee, John Donald "Jack" MacDonald, Leonard "Lennie" MacDonald (Barb Gillis), Richard "Butch" MacDonald (Charlene Marchand), Wendy MacDonald (Steve Mullendore), Nicole "Nikki" MacEachern (Daniel), Natalie Larade(Alex).
He was Grampa/papa to Patricia Rankin, Brock MacPhee, Grant MacPhee, Whitney MacDonald, Danielle MacPhee, Lauren Gillis, Samantha MacEachern, Shelby MacEachern, Carter Larade, Nate Larade, Lizzi MacEachern; great granddaughters, Izzy MacPhee, Kalia MacDonald.
D.D. was predeceased by his parents, Dan Alfred & Agnes Jane MacDonald; brother, John Francis MacDonald; son-in-law, Daniel MacPhee.
He is survived by his sisters, Anne Goodbrand-Brantford, ON.; Sharon Pritchard-Oakville, ON.; and Eileen Beaton(Hughie John), Port Hood. He will be dearly missed by all his nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, great- grand nieces and great grand nephews.
John Donald, otherwise known as "D.D", was the first born son of Dan Alfred and Janie. At a young age he would go out to the beautiful Glencoe Mills to put the hay in with his grandfather, Johnny "Seoc", it was then that his passion for horses was born. D.D's love of horses continued his whole life, and he could be found daily at the little track on the Irish road grooming and training horses. D.D's love of the horses took him to Montreal where he found work as a trainer but his beautiful home town of Port Hood was calling and he returned to marry the love of his life Sandra and raise his family of seven. D.D was employed with the SRSB as a bus driver for 24 years. No easy task , as quiet as he was every kid in the hood knew to be quiet when D.D gave a warning. Although he didn't say much, he was heard.
Soon after his retirement from the school board D.D's first love called him back and he headed to Campbellville, Ontario; where he worked seven years at the Garth Gordon Stables once more with his horses. A dream fulfilled. D.D returned home for the final time in 2002 and drove his last race at the Inverness track at the age of 71. Dad was a beautiful quiet man, shy, humble but could crack a one liner like a typical Caper. He will be greatly missed by his faithful companion, wife of 55 years, Sandra; his seven children; eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His was a good life; he worked hard and was blessed to enjoy his family, his horses and his love of a good team. Go leafs Go!
To all the staff of Inverness Consolidated Hospital, the special care you gave to dad as he began his journey "Home" will always be remembered. Lori Ann MacDonald, your professional advice and graciousness has been a blessing.
At this time of great sorrow, we, the family are so thankful to live in such a beautiful community such as Port Hood. A community where neighbours, co-workers and friends seek to ease the burden our hearts. The thoughtful considerate gifts of food, child care, menial chores... to the comforting unseen gifts of thoughts and prayers. Thank you so very much for the messages, phone calls and stopping in. We are so blessed to live in a community where people take the time to stop in and let us know that they stand with us in our time of sorrow.
Visitation will take place at Port Hood Resting Place, Mon. March 6th 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass will take place in St. Peters Church Tues. March 7th at 11 a.m. with Fr. Bernie MacDonald officiating. Burial will take place at Donald's Ancestral Acres in Glencoe Mills at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Inverness Palliative Care Society or to Port Hood Resting Place.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of John Donald D.D. MacDonald.
John was a very good worker
John was a very good worker for me up every morning at the crack of dawn and never quit until the work was done. John really enjoyed working around the horses. Being a non-drinker and smoker you left us to soon. R.I.P.