Obituary for Fred MacDonald
MacDonald: Joseph Alfred “Fred” – March 24, 2022
After a brief illness with pancreatic cancer, Fred passed away at home with family at his side. Fred faced his diagnosis with courage and dignity and lived his last days with the gentleness and charm that he was known for.
Born October 4, 1946, in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia to loving parents the late Dr. Joe and Helen MacDonald (née Legere), Fred was the second of seven children.
He met his beloved wife Evelyn (Evie) while at university in Halifax and the couple settled in Peterborough, Ontario where Fred began his 30+ year career as a professional engineer with General Electric.
Devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son, Fred led his life with love, kindness, joy, and a profound sense of empathy for others.
Fred’s greatest passion and source of pride was his family. Loving husband and best friend of Evie (née McLellan) of 48 years. He is survived by son Andrew (Casey) and daughter Megan (Stephen), grandchildren Maddie, Charlotte, Jack and Alice, siblings Ann, Paul (Brenda), Chris (Regan), Marion, Jim (Sandra), and Bill (Charlotte) and in-laws Jerry, Ardie (Dougie), Jean (Fulton), and Ronnie (Gail).
Each summer Fred, Evie and family made the trip east to Nova Scotia to visit family and friends. In retirement Fred enjoyed yearly snowshoe trips in the Gaspé with his brothers.
Always the engineer, his curiosity and interest in mechanical things were lifelong. Fred was truly in his element while working in his woodshop, on cars, inventing gadgets, and making repairs to anything and everything.
In addition to his technical interests, Fred had a great love and appreciation for music, literature, and poetry. He could often be found at home reading in a favourite chair or singing or whistling a tune.
He took great joy from the lively conversation and good company of his coffee club and book club.
Fred always offered his help without hesitation. Over the years Fred volunteered his time to a number of charities and was always available with a sympathetic ear. During COVID he devoted himself to helping his grandchildren with their online schooling.
His loved ones are very grateful for the many wonderful memories Fred left behind.
The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals for the compassionate care that Fred received. A special thank you to Dr. Blake and Saint Elizabeth nurse Samantha.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PRHC, Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial reception to celebrate Fred’s life will be held Saturday April 2 from 2-4pm at Ashburnham Funeral Home. Masking is encouraged.
A gathering in Nova Scotia is also being planned for July 2022.
“What will survive of us is love.” – Philip Larkin
After a brief illness with pancreatic cancer, Fred passed away at home with family at his side. Fred faced his diagnosis with courage and dignity and lived his last days with the gentleness and charm that he was known for.
Born October 4, 1946, in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia to loving parents the late Dr. Joe and Helen MacDonald (née Legere), Fred was the second of seven children.
He met his beloved wife Evelyn (Evie) while at university in Halifax and the couple settled in Peterborough, Ontario where Fred began his 30+ year career as a professional engineer with General Electric.
Devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son, Fred led his life with love, kindness, joy, and a profound sense of empathy for others.
Fred’s greatest passion and source of pride was his family. Loving husband and best friend of Evie (née McLellan) of 48 years. He is survived by son Andrew (Casey) and daughter Megan (Stephen), grandchildren Maddie, Charlotte, Jack and Alice, siblings Ann, Paul (Brenda), Chris (Regan), Marion, Jim (Sandra), and Bill (Charlotte) and in-laws Jerry, Ardie (Dougie), Jean (Fulton), and Ronnie (Gail).
Each summer Fred, Evie and family made the trip east to Nova Scotia to visit family and friends. In retirement Fred enjoyed yearly snowshoe trips in the Gaspé with his brothers.
Always the engineer, his curiosity and interest in mechanical things were lifelong. Fred was truly in his element while working in his woodshop, on cars, inventing gadgets, and making repairs to anything and everything.
In addition to his technical interests, Fred had a great love and appreciation for music, literature, and poetry. He could often be found at home reading in a favourite chair or singing or whistling a tune.
He took great joy from the lively conversation and good company of his coffee club and book club.
Fred always offered his help without hesitation. Over the years Fred volunteered his time to a number of charities and was always available with a sympathetic ear. During COVID he devoted himself to helping his grandchildren with their online schooling.
His loved ones are very grateful for the many wonderful memories Fred left behind.
The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals for the compassionate care that Fred received. A special thank you to Dr. Blake and Saint Elizabeth nurse Samantha.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PRHC, Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial reception to celebrate Fred’s life will be held Saturday April 2 from 2-4pm at Ashburnham Funeral Home. Masking is encouraged.
A gathering in Nova Scotia is also being planned for July 2022.
“What will survive of us is love.” – Philip Larkin