Chandlers' Funeral Service Ltd.

91 Union Street, P.O. Box 699
Liverpool, NS B0T 1K0
Phone: (902) 354-4242
Email: info@chandlersfuneral.com

MacAdams; John Daniel

86 Condolences

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It is with sadness the family of John MacAdams announces his passing on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Leaving to mourn with loving memories, his dearest wife of sixty years, Brenda; two much loved daughters Linda (John Youssef) and Ann (Steve Acrey); beloved grandchildren Ben, Sarah, Jessica, and Olivia; precious great granddaughter Sophia; and an extended circle of family and friends.
John Daniel MacAdams was born on a cold February morning in 1938 to Clyde Gordon MacAdams and Ida Christina (Davis) in the old homestead at the head of Port Joli Bay, Nova Scotia. John was the eldest of eight children; Rita (Maurice Snair); Robert (Christina); Betty Lou; Wilfred (Francis); Beverly (David Simpson); Gordon (Wendy); and Douglas (Christine).
The family lived with Grampie Dan, a swayer, of whom John was fond. He introduced John to working with wood. At eight years old, John took it upon himself to use the backyard mill saw and grazed his ring finger. But that didn’t deter him. He, along with his brother, worked to cut pulpwood with hand tools and hauled it with the horses, Nell and Pat. They also chopped and lugged firewood to feed the house wood furnace. As a young man, John went to northern Ontario to work in the woods and gained more experience. After his accident in Ontario, he returned to Port Joli. John continued to work in the woods cutting firewood with power tools and hauling it with a tree farmer and building a gas-powered wood splitter with his cousin. It made the front page of The Rural Delivery newspaper! He also loved hearty cooked meals and baked goods prepared by his wife, Brenda, in the woodstove.
At an early age John would cry to go with his father in the tonne trucks. Later John helped his father with the trucking business which hauled gravel for road construction; towed bait and salt for fishermen; transported seafood to the trains in Port Mouton; delivered lumber and pulpwood to mills; and moved people and their belongings from one community to another. With this experience, John made a living and enjoyed operating heavy equipment for local construction companies and operating snowplows for the Department of Highways.
Upon the family’s move to Saint Catherine’s River Road, his father arranged for John, Billy Robertson, and a surveyor to walk all the property lines. John listened to his peers and learned how to use a compass and cut out lines. He could remember every square inch; so much so that lawyers and surveyors would request his help to decipher property markers on old deeds in the area. He loved his land and perhaps missed a calling to be a land surveyor.
In the late 1950’s John courted Brenda of which they married in June 1963. John and Brenda made a multi-generational home with Cora MacDonald and later John’s mother, Ida. Over the course of their marriage, they worked together planting and harvesting gardens; cutting and piling the winter’s firewood; cleaning the woodstove pipes; mowing the grass; burning the leaves; removing snow and doing other property maintenance; even peeling apples to bake apple pies. Their partnership taught their daughters teamwork and good work ethics along with many other valuable life learnings. John would always say Brenda did the lion’s share of the work!
John wasn’t afraid of trying different things. He drove the high school bus; fished lobster tying up his boat at the Port Joli wharf; captured eels in wears and dipped kiacks in MacAdams brook to name a few.
He also liked plowing snow with Belle (family dog); listening to country music; drinking rum; playing cards with family and friends; chatting with Dude (bird); looking over property maps and driving up old roads with John; and talking with everyone he met. John taught Steve, a city boy, to cut down trees and plow snow; Jessica the safe way to handle a whipper snipper; Sarah how to drive the tree farmer with her sitting on his lap and when she was older, he taught her to operate a backhoe. He was the first one in the car for drives to get ice cream with Olivia. And he was always willing to help Ben work on his car. John was a kind man who worked hard and did his best for his family. He will be forever missed.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool, NS. A grave side service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at the Peaceful Hill Cemetery, Port Mouton, Nova Scotia, beside John’s mother and father. Donations may be made to the Victoria Order of Nurses (VON) Liverpool Branch or charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com
The family appreciates the special care and compassion John received from Dr. Blackadar and the medical team at the Queens General Hospital, Liverpool, Nova Scotia. And the kindness and care provided by Rachael McConnell and Monica Roberts. Special thanks to the VON.

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Condolence Messages

  1. Grace & Gerry Dwyer

    Sorry to hear of John’s passing. Always got a wave from John when you met him on the road.

  2. Billy Joudrey

    Brenda and family, we are so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  3. Betty Whynot

    Dearest Brenda I’m so very sad to see you lost your loved one. You and your family please accept my condolence

  4. Tess Adams

    We will miss the Mayor of Port Joli! We have many fond memories of his welcome the first day we came to visit. He always had his ear to the ground for us when we were looking for land. He always had a kind word to say and a listening ear when things were tough. We learned a lot from his life experience. Much love to you to you all! I bet he’s playing with Belle and Oliver right now.

  10. Stephen Peverelle

    Brenda, Ann and Linda,
    I was so shocked to hear of this. John was a wonderful man whom which I enjoyed a many a great years hanging around him.
    He showed me how to drive a Front End Loader.
    The great BBQ’s were a favourite of mine.
    Grape Nut Ice Cream was always there.
    He was a Wonderful Man to say the least.

    Ann, please except my sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad. He was Great.

  15. Barbara R Fralic

    Brenda and Family,
    So sorry to hear of John’s passing. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
    Barb Fralic

  16. Janette Wamboldt And Family

    Dear Brenda And Family,
    I’m sorry to hear this news.He worked with my father…they both drove snowplows for Department Of Highways.We owned a hunting camp in Port Joli and had to drive past John’s house and would visit for a chat with him and his wife many times over the years.Great man! He always asked me how my mother was doing after dad passed away and he never forgot my dear father.He always had stories to tell about the bad storms he and dad drove in to get the roads clear.RIP

  17. Willis & Corina Huphman

    Brenda & Family…so sorry to hear the passing of John…sending heartfelt condolences your way. Cherish the memories.

  18. John and Donna Murray

    To all of the family: we are saddened to hear of Johns passing. He was a good man and helped influence his daughters! Sincere condolences!

  20. Lynn & Steve Rafuse

    Brenda,Sorry to hear of John’s passing.Our condolences to you, your girls and grandchildren. Lynn & Steve

  21. Brenda Lawrence

    Brenda and Family .
    So sorry to read just now of John’s passing.
    Sincere sympathy to the family . Hugs to all
    Hang onto all the great memories you have over the years .

  22. Vernon & Joyce Hawkes

    Brenda and all the Family, we are very sorry for your loss. He was a great gentleman. Treasure the memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.

  24. Sherman and Lisa Fisher

    Brenda and family,
    So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Out thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.

  27. Timothy and Colleen

    Dear Brenda and family,
    Sending heartfelt condolences to all. John always had time for a chat when we met .He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. When the family reflects on all their wonderful memories they will find comfort in them.

  28. Arthur Conrad

    so sorry to hear the passing of John,we were friends for a long time.R.I.P.John Arthur and Pat Conrad

  29. Faye Levy

    Dear Brenda and Family,
    So very sorry to hear of John’s passing. I always enjoyed meeting you both at the grocery store and having a chat. Hold on to your precious memories as they will help you through this sad time.

  30. Arthur Conrad

    sorry to hear of johns passing always rember riding the horses and dipping smelts in the brooks my sympathy to to the family

  31. Karen Burgess

    Brenda and Family
    Sorry hear of Johnny’s passing, please accept my condolences and my thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

  33. David F. Large

    Brenda and family,

    Port Joli community has lost one of the most caring and helping citizens in John MacAdams. For years he patrolled the River Road, knew every resident, supervised every construction and always helped when asked. He was a great source of information and advice. Jeanne and I are saddened by his passing. We hope that kind thoughts of his life well lived will temper the grief of his loss.

    David and Jeanne Large

  34. Christine, Dougie and Rodney

    Brenda, Anne, Linda and family, we offer your most condolences on Johns passing. We have great memories of John we will always keep. Rest in peace a family member, friend, and neighbor.

  37. Frank and Deanna Oickle and Janet Roy

    Brenda and Family, so very sorry for you and your family’s loss, thinking of you all during this difficult time

  38. wayne and pam westhaver

    dear Brenda and family im so sorry to here this john was my bus driver when i was a young boy and over the years a great friend i did alot of body work for him and we had many stories
    will miss him

  39. Barbara Naugler

    So sorry to read of John, s passing but he is in a better place . John had a full life & was loved by all .Keep his memories close & on your hearts . Condolences Brenda & all the family . RIP John

  40. Gary and Marion Davis

    Brenda, Linda, Ann and family, we are sorry to hear of John’s passing. We are thinking of everyone during this difficult time.

  41. marilyn whynot

    To Brenda and families sending condolences on your loss. Remember all the happy times spent together as a family.

  42. Esther and Kevin Doggett

    To Brenda and family:
    So sorry to read about John passing away. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  44. Monica Roberts

    Brenda, Linda, Anne
    I was welcomed day one into your home. Over the course of almost two years I made a new family who I loved beyond and was loved beyond back. My heart hurts for the loss of John. John was one of the kindest souls and I will forever hold our memories in my heart. Rest easy John. The pleasure was all mine.

  45. Barbara Lynn MacDonald

    Brenda and family: Warm thoughts are with you and family now and in the days ahead in the loss of someone so special in your life. Sincerely, Barb

  46. Glen, Diane and Adam Dexter

    Brenda, Linda, Anne and Family, So sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you all at this sad time. Take care, keep your memories close.

  47. Carol townsend

    To Brenda and family. I was so sorry to hear of John’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time. Love Carol Townsend

  48. Jennifer Clattenburg

    Brenda,Ann and family,

    Sorry to hear of John’s passing.Thinking of you all during this difficult time .

  50. ron westhaver

    John was my bus driver for many years always like John I used to like it when he came over to the paving plant to get asphalt I use to think about John a lot right up until last week .John was one of the bus drivers everyone like .he never had a mean word to say about anyone .I will miss you John. You was part of my life growing up bye John

  51. Valerie and Donald Inness

    It gets harder and harder to find words to say how very sorry we are for your loss. May you find comfort in your memories and photos and find a smile of more happier times. Take care of each other..

  52. Evelyn R Oickle Fisher

    Dear Brenda, Linda, Anne and all the family.
    Very sorry to hear of John”s passing John was,a nice man. Thinking of you all.. Love Evie and family. XO.

  53. Dave and Tara Smith

    Dear Brenda, Linda, Ann and Families
    We are thinking of you and send our deepest condolences. We will miss the “Mayor” of Port Joli, great friend and neighbour.

  54. Evelyn R Oickle Fisher

    Dear Brenda, Linda, Anne and family’s Sorry to hear about John he was a nice man. Love Evie and family”s XO

  57. Lorna MacPherson

    Dear Brenda & family

    We are sorry to learn of John’s death. He has been a long time and dear friend of our family. I have lovely memories of staying with you when Mom and Dad were away, playing games around your kitchen table. That was many years ago!

    John kept a close eye on our cottage property and was always available, when needed.

    We will remember John for his kindness, hard work and love of his family. He will be greatly missed.

  58. Tim McDonald

    So sorry to hear of John’s passing. I remember John coming to Memory Lane when I worked there. He always had a few stories to tell and we’d have a few laughs. I really great guy! My condolences to his family.

  59. Roy C. Himmelman and Molly Himmelman

    Brenda so sorry to hear of Johns passing we had some great chats over the years i loved listening to his stories he was a very wise man and a great bus driver he will be greatly missed.

  60. Gian Roma

    Brenda, The Roma’s send our condolences during this difficult time. We will miss John’s warm and welcoming presence on the road. Gian, Arlene, Allison, and Corinne.

  61. Gian Roma

    Brenda, The Roma’s send our condolences. We will miss John’s warm and welcoming presence on the road. Gian, Arlene, Allison, and Corinne.

  66. Clark and Sandra Hebb

    Brenda and Family ,so sorry to hear of Johns passing . Please accept our sincere condolences.

  67. Rose Mary and Doug Huskins

    Brenda and family

    So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Thinking of you at this sad time.

  68. Philip and Holly Smith

    Dear Brenda, Linda, Ann and family,
    We were so very saddened to hear of John’s passing. He has had such a struggle the past while. But John sure lived a full life, and the obituary is a wonderful tribute to all that he accomplished in his years on earth.
    We know that his passing leaves such a void in all your lives, but may the many fond memories you all hold in your hearts give you joy and comfort as you go forward. Please accept our sincere condolences.
    Holly and Philip

  69. David & Judy Whynott of mersey point

    Brenda and family we are so sorry to hear of your loss. He sure was a great guy to chat with when we met. Every one around the county knew and respected John. Bless you all at this sad time..

  74. Gale Deveau

    To John’s Family:
    We are sending our sincere condolences to all of you at this sad time. Keep your memories close. Thinking of you all.

    Art and Gale Deveau

  75. Barbara Lohnes

    Brenda dear, so sorry to hear of John’s passing . The few times I got to visit you and John were very welcoming .
    Life without John will be different but you are fortunate to have two lovely daughters to help you through the rough
    patches in the future . Take care of yourself.

    Your cousin , living in Alberta.

  76. Manson and Nancy White

    Brenda and family,

    We are sorry to read of the passing of John. We know you have many great memories. Prayers.

    Sincerely,

    Manson and Nancy

  79. Kristen Allison

    Dear Brenda,Linda,Ann, and family. I was very sorry to hear about the loss of John. Thinking of you all. Take care.

  83. Brenda Gainer

    I’m very sorry to hear of John’s passing. For more years than I can count he was a regular sight driving down St Catharine’s road from the top at his place to the bottom at mine. Everyone in Port Joli will miss his presence.

  85. Kathy MacLeod

    Brenda, Linda and Ann, so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I will always remember that great smile of his. My deepest sympathies. Cousin Kathy.

  86. Elaine Williams

    Brenda
    I told Mum-Eva Spinney- of John’s passing. She brought up memories of him and time in Port Joli.
    Elaine Williams for Eva Spinney

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