McDonald, Donald James – East Noel, passed away January 26, 2022.
Born in South Maitland in 1937, he was a son of the late Thomas and Viola (Brightman) McDonald.
Don’s first job was on the Coquihalla pipeline. He later worked as a credit manager with Trans Canada Credit in Truro, Saint John, Summerside, Halifax and Digby. He was a Gulf Home Heating Oil Distributor in Digby and established his long-distance trucking company. Later, Don moved to Windsor, Ontario and was manager of the Tri Mac Unit. He came back to Nova Scotia and joined Municipal Group of Companies in its beginning years. As transportation manager, Don was part of a visionary team of experts growing the MGC into one of the foremost construction and transportation industries in Canada. He retired at 77 years of age. Wherever he lived, Don took an active role in service clubs, church and community affairs. He volunteered as a community advocate when Nova Scotia Business Inc. wanted to improve the utility of the Port of Sheet Harbour. He had been a hockey coach and scout leader. He was a big fan of the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays. Don was an avid horseman, boater, hockey player, skier, hunter, curler, golfer, motorcyclist and RVer. Don loved to connect with people and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Surviving are his wife, Joanie (Densmore); daughter, Angela Dawn (Shinji) Yamagouchi, Canmore, Alberta; sons, Gregory Paul (Diane), Toronto; Thomas Albert “Bert”, Barrie, Ontario; stepchildren, Troy (Darcie) Muise, Hubley; Terrilynn Muise, Nancy Goodine (Brian Dalrymple), Gore; Daphne Goodine (David Connors), East Gore; sisters, Thelma (Joseph) Duquette, Hamilton, Ontario; Anne LeBlanc (late Henry), Midland, Ontario; brothers, Dale (Lorraine), Burlington, Ontario; Phillip (Eleanor), Gormanville; grandchildren, Katie, Harry, Ashley and Tyler McDonald; Connor and Reide Muise; several nieces and nephews; his children’s mother, Marian Burris McDonald.
He was predeceased by his wife, Sharon Clarke Muise; his sister, Betty (late Russ) Clooney; brothers, Thomas and Winston.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in the summer.
Donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society.
Thanks to his homecare team and all other medical professionals involved in his care, as well as his long-time physician, Dr. John McNab.
Arrangements are under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit.
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