Obituary of Colin Daniel MacDonald

Colin Daniel "Dhu" MacDonald, of Jimtown, Antigonish, passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital after a short battle with cancer. He was 62 years old. He is survived by his wife Barb, son Rory, daughters Eilidh and Morag, siblings Allan (Susan Wayling), Paul (Ellen Campbell), Jean (Greg Galbraith), Fergus (Lois Chisholm), Mairi (Danny Smith), and Gillean (Roger Thomas). He was predeceased by his parents David Roy (Jack) and Elizabeth Jean (Betty), brother David (Emma Grell) and son Galen and nephew Duncan. He graduated from Dr. J. H. Gillis Regional High School in 1971 and St. FX in 1976. Growing up, he played hockey for the Antigonish Bulldogs and spent his summers at the family cottage in Jimtown. After graduating from St. FX, he headed west to Alberta and began a career in the oil patch specializing in drilling fluids. He worked in Alberta and offshore Sable Island before relocating to Aberdeen, Scotland in 1981. He and Barb were married in Scotland in 1983 and started their family in 1986. They spent 14 happy years in Scotland, taking regular family trips in their Volkswagen campervan to enjoy the outdoors, hillwalking, kayaking, and golfing. They enjoyed many happy holidays skiing in the Alps and taking trips to other parts of mainland Europe. Colin’s overseas career included years in China and Egypt, before settling the family back in Canada in 1999 in the house they built in Jimtown. From 1999 to present, he commuted overseas to work, primarily in West Africa. Colin was a voracious reader and would have two or three books on the go at any given time. He was an intellectual man, a great conversationalist who could carry on a discussion on almost any topic. In recent years he took a particular interest in learning about Africa, its people and its history. Colin was an avid follower of sports, especially hockey, and enjoyed watching St. FX sports teams with his friends. He was passionate about music of all types and was equally happy attending the Saturday afternoon Ceilidh at Piper’s as he was listening to Rock n’ Roll. Most important to Colin was his family, which can no doubt be attributed to growing up in a tight-knit, loving family of seven siblings and two wonderful parents. He loved his children intensely and was in his element driving them and attending their sports games all over Nova Scotia and beyond. He was a proud father, always eager to support his family fully in whatever they chose to pursue. He and Barb were best friends and were always there for each other. Colin "Dhu", as he was affectionately known, made many fast and true friends along the way, including his coworkers who he became very close with during his years working in Angola. He was known for his laid back demeanour, generosity, sense of humour and for always having a kind word to say and a smile on his face. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be held at MacIsaac Funeral Home, Antigonish, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm on Sunday, March 20th, with funeral to follow at St. Ninian's Cathedral, Antigonish, at 2pm on Monday, March 21st. Memorial donations may be made to Churchill Academy (Dartmouth) or a charity of choice.