Longtime owner and harness racing supporter David MacDonald of Halifax, N.S. passed away on Sunday, March 27 at the age of 61.
Loving husband of Darlene (nee Robertson) and proud father of Melissa (Steve) Mackie. David was also “Poppy” to two cherished grandsons, Ty Foldi and Thomas Mackie. Son of Ronald (Shirley Campbell) and the late Rose Marie MacDonald, brother of Robbie (Betty Boucher), Nancy (Bill Loo), Kent (Catherine), Gary (Chrissy), Mark (Janice), Michael (Lori Ann) & their families. David is also survived by his brother-in-law, Lester Robertson (Bonnie) & sisters-in-law Helena (Lem) MacVane & Gail Robertson (Tony Gauthier). He will also be remembered by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be fondly remembered by many from the harness racing community, refrigeration industry and patrons & musicians from the Capitol Sports Bar. Predeceased by his mother Rose Marie MacDonald, as well as his parents-in-law John Robertson and Laura (nee Dunphy) Burke.
Born in Charlottetown, P.E.I. on May 18, 1960 and raised in the community of Little Pond on the family farm. David spent his childhood working on the family farm with his brothers and father, playing sports and attending Souris Regional High School. He excelled on the debating team and played numerous high school sports. He later went on to UPEI and upon the completion of school he joined the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. He worked for several years in the banking industries in various communities across Atlantic Canada. In 1985, he decided on a career change and attended Holland College in the electro-mechanical program. He then worked as a service manager for Higgins & Wilson Refrigeration in Saint John, N.B. until 1997.
In 1997, David founded RDMD Refrigeration in Halifax, N.S. He operated RDMD until 2019, and upon his retirement he entered into the hospitality business. David and his wife Darlene co-owned the Capitol Sports Bar until the time of his death. David’s greatest passion may have been harness racing and, over the years, he had owned any great horses that had brought him much joy and happiness. He was a very generous sponsor of many horse events, and an even better storyteller of horse races. May his journey forward be in a golden sulky.
David had horses with many Maritime trainers. “Dave was one of a kind," said trainer/driver Darren Crowe. "I probably trained 30-35 horses for Dave over a period of seven to eight years. He loved buying, selling and racing horses. Dave loved to have a good time and was always willing to sponsor harness racing events, and he will be greatly missed.”
Service to be held on Sunday, April 3, 2022 at 2 p.m. at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax, with reception to follow at Capital Sports Bar. At family’s request, masks are recommended. To view live stream or send online condolences, please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com. Interment to follow in May at St. Francis de Sales, Little Pond, P.E.I. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Unison Benevolent Fund, a charity that supports the musicians that Dave loved so much.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of David MacDonald.