Major Robert J. MacDonald

Major Robert J. MacDonald

           1935 – 2019

It is with great sadness and love that we report that Major Robert “Bob” John MacDonald, husband of the late Anna (O’Donnell) MacDonald of Napan, passed in Miramichi on August 3, 2019 at the age of 83.

Born in Kincardine, ON, on November 25, 1935, he was the son of the late Donald J. and Hazel A. (Douglas) MacDonald.  He grew up on the family farm in Ripley, Ontario before embarking on his career as a navigator in the Royal Canadian Air Force.  After retirement from the RCAF, he became the Director of Mental Health Services and Caring Friends Center in Miramichi.  He was a long-time member of Miramichi Literacy Society and Big Brothers & Big Sisters.

Bob is survived by his cherished daughter, Cheryl (Gary) MacDonald of Toronto; son-in-law Rob Rowe of Toronto; three grandchildren: Alexandra Rowe of Toronto, Matthew MacDonald of London, England and James MacDonald of Toronto.  He was predeceased by his first wife Janet C. MacDonald, second wife Anna M. MacDonald, daughter Bonnie Lynn MacDonald, sister Margaret Foyston and brothers Douglas and Donald MacDonald.

He will be dearly missed by his in-laws, Byron and Judy O’Donnell, Betty and Ed Hospodar, Irene and Dave Trask, and Kathy and Dave Smith as well as Garth and Jane Sweezey.  He will also be missed by his Little Brother, Eric O’Brien.

Bob was well-travelled and well-read and had a broad range of interests.  His career in the RCAF carried him to Germany in the 1950s and again in the 1980s as well as postings across Canada before settling and eventually retiring in the Miramichi.  He enjoyed sports throughout his life and was an avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Chatham Ironmen.  He loved meeting and talking to people and to know him was to have a friend.  He built many deep and long-lasting friendships.  He was a kind man in all ways and had a special place in his heart for dogs.

Bob suffered significant losses during his life but throughout, was a source of love, humour and guidance as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.  He will be sadly missed.

Visitation was held at Adams Funeral Home, 140 King St., Miramichi on Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm.  Funeral service was held at St. Andrew’s United Church on Friday, August 9, 2019 at 1:00 PM with Rev. Charlene Maguire MacKnight officiating.  Music for the service was provided by Mr. William Sweezey and St. Andrew’s Choir.  The hymns were “How Great Thou Art”, “In The Bulb There Is A Flower”, “Here I Am Lord” and the recessional hymn was “Go Now In Peace”.  The lighting of the Christ Candle was by Ellen Sweezey and the lighting of the Memory Candle was by grandchildren: Alexandra Rowe, Matthew and James MacDonald.  The grandchildren also read a special poem written for their grandfather.  Scriptures were read by son-in-law Rob Rowe and brother-in-law Ed Hospodar. A poem “High Flight” was read by son-in-law Gary MacDonald.  Tribute and remembrances of Robert were presented by brother-in-law Dave Trask.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Canadian Cancer Society, St. Andrew’s United Church, Extra Mural Program or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.  Arrangements were entrusted to Adams Funeral Home Ltd., 140 King St., Miramichi, telephone (506) 773-3492 or messages of condolence may be sent online to www.adamsfh.ca

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