Obituary of Victor John MacDonald

It is with heavy hearts and great sorrow we announce the passing of Victor John MacDonald of Sydney, NS. Victor passed away peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, July 27, 2024, with family by his side. Victor was born April 3, 1951, to the late Glynath (Billlard) and Stephen MacDonald in Sydney, NS. Victor cherished the love of his life, Christena, who he was married to for 49 years. They enjoyed many activities together such as playing darts at the Cedars Club, bowling and frequently attended dances in Frenchvale, the Cedars Club and the Ukrainian Hall. They were wonderful dancers to watch, especially dancing to their favorite song, Neil Young’s Harvest Moon. He loved having all his family at the house for special occasions, especially the annual Christmas Daddies party whereby the house would be decorated, and everyone would enjoy the great Cape Breton talent. Every Christmas he would go all out to ensure there was a turkey in the oven, along with plenty of gifts under the tree for everyone. The Christmas Eve party was the pinnacle of the year where family would enjoy a scoff of his famous cabbage rolls, lasagna, sweet and sour meatballs, brown rice and sweets. The house never had less than 25 family members at one time, which could be a tight squeeze, enjoying music, singing (We are Family), dancing, laughter and a visit from Santa. Victor was always on the move and could never sit for long. He enjoyed regular morning walks into Sydney and home again. With the TV always on and the radio playing his music in the background, he could be found on the front deck or in the kitchen. He loved to bake bread, pies, cookies, and cooking our regular Sunday turkey suppers for all who wanted to drop by. Victor worked at the Sydney Steel Corporation for many years until its closure and the dismantling of the mini mill. A true handy man and hard worker, he continued working at other various jobs in the area to supplement his income. He was also active in the community with the Kinsmen in earlier years and involved with supporting many functions at the Cedars Club. Later on, in his semi-retirement, Victor began playing golf with Nicky and Kibby, then later on with his friends, Phillip Shaheen and Frank Doucette. They would start an annual family Father’s Day Memorial Golf Tournament, in memory of his late son-in-law, Ronnie “Kibby” Libbus. During one of Victor’s rounds of golf at Seaview Golf Club, he obtained the ultimate jewel in the crown for a golfer, which was a hole in one. He was always proud of this accomplishment. Victor is survived by his loving wife, Christena (Walker); his children Jerry Musgrave, Sydney, Madonna Libbus, Sydney, Donnie Musgrave (Sandra) Dartmouth, Judy MacDonald (Alan), South Bar, Mary Musgrave (Rick), Sydney, Shelley McInnis (John), Middle Sackville, Victor Musgrave (Cindy), Sydney, Christopher MacDonald (Kerri), Sydney; brother’s, Rev. Canon Reg MacDonald (Sandy) and Bryan MacDonald (Diane), Sydney; sister-in-law, Mary Jeanette Bennett, Frenchvale; his grandchildren Cheryl, Jared, Jordan, Kyle, Bhreagh, Rory, Jamael, Brett, Laura, Breton, Samantha, Victor, Mitchell, Connor, Krissy, Kierstin, Sarah, Sebastien, Joshua, and many great grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Thelma; grandchildren, Breton and Lyndon Musgrave; son-in-law Ronnie “Kibby” Libbus, Katie Wall (Doug), brother-in-law, Billy Bennett, Rhodena Currie (Michael), John Walker (Gabrielle), and Dougie Walker (Andrea). Our family would like to sincerely thank the staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital ICU, 4B Community Transitional Unit and Palliative Care, and EHS Community Paramedics for the care provided to Victor through his illness. A special thank you to Dr Thanna for his compassion and care given to Victor along with his support to our family through this difficult time. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, NS, 902-539-7175. There will be no visitation. A funeral service, with a Requiem Eucharist, will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, August 2, at Church of Christ The King, Trinity Avenue, Sydney with Rev. Canon Reg MacDonald and Rev Jacqueline Warren officiating, burial to follow at the Lakeside Cemetery, Johnson Road, North Sydney. Following the burial, all are invited to join the family for refreshments at the Sydney Pensioners Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Canadian Liver Foundation or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.