Obituary of Donald Alexander MacDonald

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Peacefully, surrounded by his family, Donald Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, 73, James River, Antigonish County, passed away after a short battle with cancer on February 5, 2025.

Sandy will be forever missed and cherished by his wife of 50 years, Diane (Taylor), daughter Angela (Duane), daughter-in-law Kari Lee (Chisholm), grandchildren Braden, Connor and Emily, brothers, Fraser,  Reggie (Linda), Carl, Bernard (Patrice), Gerald, Jimmy (Selena), sister Elaine (Bill), brother-in-law Bill Taylor, sister-in-law Jill Leon (Josh), many cousins, godchildren, nephews and nieces. Family and his faith were everything to Sandy; he was always thankful for the memories and time with his family.

We know in our hearts that Sandy has been welcomed into heaven by his parents Donald and Georgie, sister Ann (Tony), brother-in-law Norm (Elaine), sisters-in-law Norma (Fraser) and Roslyn (Gerald), nephew Scott, parents-in-law Earl and Carol Taylor, sister-in-law Lynne Taylor and family and friends.

Born on March 26, 1951 to Donald and Georgina (Fraser) MacDonald, the “Donald Sandy Allans” of James River, as the eldest of nine children, he became their loving protector.  Many memories were made with the MacEacherns, MacDougalls and MacDonalds. Sandy graduated from St Andrew Rural  High School, and went on to earn his pilot’s license at Moncton Flying Club. He went to Gander, Newfoundland and was a flight instructor at Gander Flying School. He began working with Eastern Provincial Airlines in 1971 where he met his future wife, Diane. They began a life together, marrying on October 12, 1974. After his flying career ended in 2001, Sandy and Diane cherished their farming life in James River. Sandy had the natural ability to operate any vehicle that was required, whether it be a fire truck, dump truck, snowplow, tractor or care van to name a few.

Sandy will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He will be remembered for his faith, generosity, protectiveness and hard working spirit.  In the past few years, Sandy’s biscuits, cinnamon rolls, muffins were treasured by many.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 9th from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00. Funeral service will be at St.Joseph’s Parish in St. Joseph’s on Monday, February 10th at 11:00.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. Joseph’s Hillside cemetery fund or the Palliative Care Department at St. Martha’s Hospital.

The family wishes to send a heartfelt thank you to the team at the Palliative Care Department, Dr. Rice, Valerie Pettipas,RN and Father Danny MacLennan for their loving care and compassion.

Throughout this journey, the family was thankful for the kindness and support of many family, friends and neighbours.