Obituary of David Roy MacDonald

DAVID ROY MACDONALD ‘The Battle is Over’. David Roy MacDonald died on January 10, 2016, peacefully at home. He was 66 years old. He was the oldest child of the late Jack and Betty (Sears) MacDonald of Highland Drive in Antigonish. He is survived by his beloved wife Emma Grell, and by his seven wonderful siblings: Allan (Susan Wayling), Colin (Barb MacKinnon), Paul (Ellen Campbell), Jean (Greg Galbraith), Fergus (Lois Chisholm), Mairi (Danny Smith), Gillean (Roger Thomas), fourteen talented nieces and nephews and two grandnieces and a grandnephew. He is also survived by his wonderful step-daughter Joanna Hill (Sean Loch) and step-granddaughters Callie and Zoe Loch. David attended Morrison School and Antigonish High School and graduated with a B.B.A. from St.F.X. in 1970. After graduation, he worked in Ottawa as an assistant to local M.P. Allan MacEachen, He returned to Halifax in 1976 where he completed a Chartered Accountant diploma in 1979. While in Halifax he reconnected with his old X buddies by being part of the now legendary Black Street Aces. Drawn back to Ottawa he held positions in the Departments of Labour, International Trade, and Energy. In 1984, he moved to the private sector and later established a government relations business in which he remained until his retirement in 1999. David and Emma then moved to Bayfield. They made some amazing new friends in the neighborhood. They loved the many changes of seasons and enjoyed the closeness with nature. They also spent some time in Emma’s Caribbean country of Dominica, especially during Carnival time. David loved that exotic piece of the world, made some close friends there and became an avid calypso and cricket fan. He always had a book on the go, was a keen birdwatcher, and loved walks in the woods or on the beaches with dog Daphne. He was the beloved Grandpa Dave who to much delight created ‘Callie’s Alley’ and ‘Zoe’s Zoo’. David had many years of golf at the Antigonish Golf Club and at the traditional annual outings with his old X and other buddies at Highland Links. David also became his family’s historian and enjoyed making active research trips with his siblings into areas ranging over the mainland and Cape Breton. He always maintained his deep love of Canada, He was a passionate defender of the values that to him defined the true Canada, including tolerance and caring, accountability and open democracy, peacekeeping, and being a force for social and sustainable progress here and abroad. David was most appreciative and thankful for the care he received from his family and from the many doctors, nurses, and administrative and other staff who all provided exceptional care and support during his battle with lung cancer and stroke. He was profoundly touched by the visits, cards and letters of support during this difficult time. A celebration of his life will be held in Bayfield at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to St Martha’s Hospital Foundation, the VON or other charity of choice.