Obituary of John Thomas MacDonald

JOHN THOMAS MACDONALD - November 3rd, 1933 to January 13th, 2020. The family of John Thomas MacDonald is deeply saddened to announce his peaceful passing at Hospice Halifax, while holding the hand of his beloved wife of 55 years. John was born in Arvida, Quebec, the devoted first son of Robert (Bob) and Anna (Annie) MacDonald. He was a proud graduate of St. Francis Xavier University (Class of 1958) and an involved alumnus. It was on the grounds of his alma mater that he first met his bride-to-be Janet (Flinn). Together, he and Janet carved out a beautiful life in both Canada and the U.S.A. John’s successful career as an insurance executive took his wife and family to Montreal, the Toronto area, Encino, California, Roswell, Georgia, Sarasota, Florida and finally back to their Nova Scotian roots and extended family. John’s central focus was always the happiness of his family but along the way, he and Janet cultivated many life-long friends and created a tapestry of great memories together. John’s dry sense of humour, friendliness and genuine kindness of heart was demonstrated to everyone he encountered. John was a true gentleman in every sense of the word with an enduring faith in God. In his early years, he was a great carpenter always working on a new project. Into retirement, he enjoyed the companionship of golf, loved to play crib with his grandkids and was an avid reader. What set John apart was his true generosity of spirit, he was a life-long giver. No matter what city he lived in, John freely gave of his time. As a devoted Catholic he was a volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul Society (to the age of 85) fundraising and hand-delivering food to shut-in’s. As a church eucharistic minister, he also delivered communion to home-bound parishioners. In recent years, he helped serve lunch to the needy at St. Mary’s Basilica soup kitchen always serving food with wit, respect and an encouraging word. John lived his Catholic faith and volunteered as a witness and mourner attending funerals for the homeless and forgotten in society. Throughout his lifetime, the man referred to as ‘JT’ by his friends, lent his time and talents to countless charities, churches and committees. Always selflessly and humbly giving of himself to benefit others. Certainly, a life well-lived. John will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his beloved wife Janet (Flinn); his three cherished daughters: Jennifer (Jamie) Taras, White Rock, BC; Suzanne (Peter) Haslett, London, UK; and Kimberley (Eric) Hagstette, Portland, OR. “Papa” will also be forever missed by his dearly loved grandchildren: Sydney and William Taras; Macy and Levi Hagstette; and, Adeline and Eliza Haslett. “Uncle John” will be forever in the hearts of his twenty-four nieces and nephews along with their spouses. He is survived by his only and dearly loved Brother Michael (Judy) MacDonald, Ottawa, ON and predeceased by his adored Father Robert Lindsay and his Mother Anna Carmel (Meagher) MacDonald. John’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt special thank you to their extraordinary family physician Dr. Marion Che whose incredible care and support helped John navigate his difficult illness and also to the beautiful souls at Halifax Hospice who gently and respectfully cared for John in his final days. A celebration of John’s life will take place at a funeral mass to be held on Monday, January 20th, 2020, 1:30 pm at St. Ignatius Roman Catholic Church, 1288 Bedford Highway, Bedford, NS. Father Pat Cosgrove officiating. A reception will follow at the adjoining church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Halifax, P.O. Box 29051, Halifax, NS, B3L 4T8 or Hospice Halifax, 618 Francklyn Ave, Halifax, NS, B3H 3B4. Online condolences for the family may be made by visiting: www.tjtracey.com