Obituary of Gobbler MacDonald

Joseph Allan 'Gobbler' MacDonald Glace Bay, Nova Scotia Age 79 It is with broken hearts that we the family of Joe “Gobbler” MacDonald announce his sudden passing on June 13th, 2022 with his loving wife and children by his side. He was born in 1942 to the late Laughlin and Elizabeth MacDonald (Sudworth) in Glace Bay, NS. Dad was the last surviving member of his immediate family as he was predeceased by his only brother Thomas (Bo) MacDonald. He is survived by his loving wife Barb and children Marie (Johnnie), Joey (Cindy), Brenda (Colin), Derek (Angela), and Kelly (Kenny). One of Dad’s biggest accomplishments was being a loving husband and best friend to Barb for over sixty years. You rarely saw one without the other, whether it was dancing, gardening, or grocery shopping. Dad was a true family man, he was always there no matter what and when we needed him. His family always came first, he was an amazing person who loved his family and friends. He wouldn’t want us to mourn. He’d want us to party, dance, and share our many happy memories. He’d want us to celebrate his life. Dad’s positive influence led us to become the people we are today. His funny banters with mom, his dedication to his morning walks up the Sterling Road, and overall positivity made us the close knit family we are. Dad was the proud Papa of nine grandchildren (Garrett, Mark, Marissa, Miranda, Alexandra, Maksim, Madison, Brayden, Carter) and three great-grandchildren (Luka, Breton, Isla). He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dad was so big hearted, the life of the party, and loved by all who knew him. Dad was a competitive athlete and coach. Although he was great at many sports, his passion was playing and coaching softball for over forty years. He was especially proud to be a member of the Glace Bay Oland’s Bay Byes who captured the 1968 Maritime Senior Softball Championship. Along with his team mates, Dad felt privileged to be inducted into the Glace Bay, Cape Breton, and Maritime Sports Hall of Fames. He was also proud to be selected as Coach of the Year for the Maritime Senior A Softball League. In his later years, Dad was instrumental in establishing the Table Head Dart League and was President for many years. He also loved being an active part of Table Head Development Society especially Table Head Days. Dad will be forever missed, and loved by everyone who knew him. We have faith he’s busy arranging a baseball game with his family and friends especially his lifelong pal Sonny Simmons who recently passed before him. We can hear him singing: “We’re born again, there’s new grass on the field, A-roundin 3rd, I’m headed for home… Put me in, Coach... I’m ready to play today…Look at me I can be Centerfield!” As per Dad’s wishes, there will be no visitation or service as he wanted to be remembered as living life to the fullest. Cremation has taken place under the care and compassion of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay.