Obituary of Fr. Stan MacDonald

Reverend Father Stan MacDonald entered peacefully into eternal life on Sunday, May 11, 2025, in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, NS. He was born in Glace Bay on January 2, 1933, to Dan Alex MacDonald and Sarah (Sally) Carruthers Beattie MacDonald.  He was raised in a large family surrounded by love. Growing up, he was proud to be a part of the family business, The Sally Anne Bakery.

Beginning his early education in Glace Bay, Father Stan then attended St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish where he was president of his freshman class, played varsity hockey and rugby, and was involved with the Amateur Athletic Association. After his graduation from StFX, as part of the Class of 1954, he enrolled at Holy Heart Seminary in Halifax and was ordained by Bishop John R. MacDonald to the priesthood in the Diocese of Antigonish on May 23, 1959.

Over the years, Father Stan has served many communities and in various capacities across the Diocese as part of his call to serve, including Assistant Pastor and Pastor. Beginning in June of 1959, Father Stan served at Holy Guardian Angels Parish, L’Ardoise; St. Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish; briefly at Mount Carmel Parish, New Waterford;  on staff in the Office of Religious Education in Sydney; St. Alphonsus Parish, Low Point; as Pastor Holy Guardian Angels Parish, L’Ardoise; Stella Maris Parish, Inverness; Our Lady of Fatima, Sydney River; Holy Redeemer and St. Nicholas, Sydney.  At the age of 65, he retired from parish ministry in June of 1998.  During his years of ministry, he also pursued further study in Brussels and in California. He was active in his local Deanery and the Council of Priests. 

He spent summers in his cottage in his beloved Dunvegan where he was well known throughout Inverness County. In retirement, he returned to his alma mater where he served the Sisters of St. Martha as Chaplain at the Bethany Motherhouse and was Priest-in-Residence at StFX. In 2024, he celebrated his 65th anniversary in priesthood. For over six decades, he fulfilled his duties with a firm dedication to service and faith, touching the lives of so many. Father Stan never lost his desire to learn and in recent months began to study on how to best support truth and reconciliation efforts. He will be missed.

Father Stan was a recognizable (and beloved) figure on campus and at varsity sporting events. StFX students and the community’s interaction with him was nothing short of inspiring. He always had a smile, a fist bump, and a cheery word for everyone he met. Perhaps most notably, he turned an already popular StFX chant into something that transcended generations. His interactions with students on campus, and especially in Morrison Hall, created lasting memories for all he encountered. Father Stan recognized the power of StFX and of the community that it fostered during his time as a student and later when he returned to his beloved alma mater. His hospitality to those who shared a table and conversation with him at meal hall; his enthusiastic support of women’s and men’s athletics, regardless of how well they were doing on the field, ice, or court; his warm acceptance of all people; it was all infectious. And it inspired the Xaverian community to become a more hospitable, supportive, and caring place. He deeply valued the many, many people with whom he came in contact through his ministry and his love of community.

In the fall of 2024, Father Stan was inducted to the StFX Sports Hall of Fame as a Builder for his significant contribution and outstanding leadership that enhanced the Varsity X-Women and X-Men athletic programs.  Father Stan developed into the ultimate StFX Athletics supporter - a kindhearted soul beloved by StFX athletes, alumni and fans young and old. His gregarious smile and booming voice with his distinctive "Go X Go!" chant instantly energized a crowd. He went above and beyond with his unwavering support and loyal dedication to the White and Blue.

Father Stan is predeceased by his parents; siblings Mary MacEachern, Thomas, Theresa Effie Turner, Audrey MacMillan-Morris, Eric “Skit”, Marilyn Ferguson, Brenton, Evelyn Sampson, Blaise, and Sean.  He is survived by brother Dennis (Carol) MacDonald, sister Carol (late Celso) Gatchalian, brother-in-law Gordon Sampson, sister-in-law Mary Anne MacDonald and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.  

The family extends sincere gratitude to those who took great care of Father Stan both on campus and at St. Martha’s Hospital, Colchester Regional Hospital, Queen Elizabeth II Hospital and at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. 

Visitation for Father Stan will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, May 16 in the StFX University Chapel, University Drive, Antigonish. The visitation will close with a prayer vigil officiated by Rev. Danny MacLennan, which the public is welcome to attend. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in StFX University Chapel with a visitation preceding the mass in the Chapel starting at 8:30 am. The Most Reverend Wayne Kirkpatrick, Bishop of Antigonish, will celebrate the Holy Mass with fellow clergy concelebrating from across the Diocese of Antigonish. Burial will take place at a later date at his former parish, St. Margaret of Scotland in Broad Cove. A reception and lunch hosted by the StFX will be held immediately following the mass at the Markin Global Complex on the StFX campus. Memorial donations may be made to the Reverend Stanley MacDonald Bursary Fund or to a charity of choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of MacIsaac Funeral Home, Antigonish, NS. The funeral service will be webcast on Stfx.ca