Alexander “Alex” Wayne MacDonald, 86

Glace Bay, N.S.

Alexander “Alex” Wayne MacDonald, 86, of Glace Bay passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness on August 11, 2026, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Born September 5, 1939, in Glace Bay, Alex was the son of George and Mary MacDonald.

Alex is survived by his beloved wife of over 67 years, Barbara (née Tutty) (whom he affectionately called Barbie), sons Derek “Doc” (Joanne) and Melvin (Darla), grandchildren Dylan, Claralynn (Frankie), Mitchell (Molly), Colton (Ashley), Niklas (Gabrielle), Tonya, his great-grandchildren Meadow, Eleanor, Ophelia, Leighton, Adalynn, brothers George (Dena), Gary (Jeri), and Lawson (Monica), sister Sharon, sister-in-law Gloria, brother-in-law Bud (Cathy), mother of grandchildren Betty-Lynn (Paul), mother of great-grandchildren Hannah, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by Father George, Mother Mary, sisters Carol (Joe) and Kathy (Edward), father-in-law Gordon, mother-in-law Mary, brothers-in-law Blair, Kevin, and Edward, sister-in-law Jean (Brufatto) Tutty and many members of his extended family, whom he loved deeply throughout his life.

Alex was a music teacher and school custodian who touched the lives of countless students throughout his career, most notably at Brookside School in Glace Bay. He was an excellent drummer, and his passion was playing music for others – he did so with the Cape Breton Chorale, The Acadians, The Thunderbirds, Terry and the Playboys, with Alec MacIntosh, with Eddie Paris, with Leonard Jones, and in the esteemed orchestra of numerous Rotary shows. Alongside his fellow musicians, Alex could often be found playing at the Silver Rail and The Savoy (two of his favourite venues), throughout Cape Breton, and across Nova Scotia.

Alex taught drums to young students from his home on Water Street and always enjoyed each opportunity he had to share with others his love of music and the drums. Alongside his grandchildren and his students, Alex formed his drumming group, Joyful Noise, which held concerts each June and December. He sang and drummed as a member of the Knox United Church Choir, and sang alongside The Men of the Deeps – he often told stories of their trip to China, when in 1976 (with Alex as part of the choir) they became the first Canadian performing group to tour the People's Republic of China.

Alex and Barbara were frequent travelers to the United States and enjoyed their annual family trips there – most often to Maine and Florida. They enjoyed drives of any kind around Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail and could be found at the Casino in Sydney for supper each Saturday evening.

There were no greater joys in life for Alex than his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all lovingly referred to him as Poppy. Sleepovers each Friday and Saturday became a treasured weekly ritual – Alex and Barbara often had the company of grandchildren Dylan, Claralynn, Mitchell, Colton, Niklas (whom Alex proudly supported on his journey to becoming a Registered Nurse), and Tonya. In recent years, he enjoyed their cherished visits with great-grandchildren Meadow, Eleanor, Ophelia, Leighton, and Adalynn.

Alex was deeply kind, caring, and giving. He could frequently be found offering shirts, sneakers, jackets, and other assorted articles of clothing to family – even suggesting his favourite items for the taking. He was quick-witted and never missed the chance to make those around him laugh.

His humour, stories, and presence will be with us always, and he will be forever missed by all that loved him.

Funeral arrangements are under direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists. A service will be held at St. Mary's Church in Glace Bay on August 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM ADT.

To share words of comfort with Alex’s family, please visit our website at www.tjtracey.com.