Obituary of Carl Joseph MacDonald

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It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Carl Joseph MacDonald, 67, of James River on June 16th, 2026 in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital with his family by his bedside. 

The son of Georgina Ann (Fraser) and Donald Duncan MacDonald of James River, Carl was born September 8th, 1958. He was the middle child of nine. 

With a mind as sharp as his words were soft, Carl received a Diploma in Engineering from St. FX University in 1979 and went on to earn Bachelor of Industrial Engineering and Master's in Computer Science. 

Carl's work with CN took him to Moncton, Montreal and Edmonton before he returned home to James River to live with his father following his mother's passing and, later, to care for him at home in his final years. 

Back at home, Carl worked at the Aberdeen and St. Martha's Hospitals, playing a key role in setting up their computer systems and software. Carl also taught Information Systems at St. FX. With a unique gift for making everyone feel welcomed, valued, and loved, Carl later worked at L'Arche Antigonish. There, he developed many close relationships with Core Members and Assistants, many of whom came to feel like family. 

Always happy to lend a helping (and giant) hand, Carl was actively involved in his community. A member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church where he was a Eucharistic Minister and Lector and, at the Antigonish Library, he applied his patience and gift with numbers in volunteering to help people file their income taxes. 

A true gentleman, Carl's kindness, warmth, generosity, and compassion touched the lives of everyone privileged enough to have known him. 

Carl is survived by his brothers; Fraser, Reggie (Linda), Bernie (Patrice), Gerald, Jimmy (Selena), and his sister Elaine (Bill), sister-in-law Diane, brother-in-law Tony van den Hoogen; numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews who adored him. Carl was predeceased by his parents, his brother Sandy, his sister Ann, his brother-in-law Norm Babinec, sisters-in-law Norma & Roz MacDonald, and nephew Scott MacDonald. 

Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Friday June 19th in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass 11am Saturday, June 20th in St. Joseph's Church, St. Joseph's, Reverend Orga & Reverend Danny MacLennan presiding. Reception to follow in St. Ninian Place, Antigonish, from 12:15-2:00 pm. Burial in the Parish Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family request the donations be made to L'Arche, Antigonish, St. Joseph's Cemetery or a charity of your choice.

Carl, you will be forever loved, forever remembered, and forever missed.
Rest in Peace.