MacDONALD – Joseph Leonard “Len”, 89, of Bridgewater, passed away peacefully in Queens General Hospital, Liverpool on Sunday, November 29, 2015 surrounded by his family.
Born in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, he was a son of the late Edward and Elizabeth (Walke) MacDonald.
Len had a long career with National Defense and Parks Canada in purchasing and supply. He had been a member of the Sydney Mines Fire Department. He became an avid birder and put much time and energy into documenting the family tree. Len loved sharing his time with children, and in later years, called himself “the grandpa on the block”. Genial and gracious with everyone, Len was a good-natured example to all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife Patricia (MacDougall); his sons Gary (Janette) of Ottawa, ON; Peter of Calgary, AB; grandchildren Alexandra, Mark and Brennen; his brothers David (Ruth) of Toronto, ON; Ralph of Toronto, ON; Terrance (Marie) of London, ON.
He was predeceased by his infant daughter Barbara Lynn; his sisters Veronica, Theresa, Frances, Edna, Mary, Bernadette, Beatrice, Alberta and Eileen; brothers Charles and Aubrey.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool, NS. There will be no visitation. Funeral mass will be held Friday, December 4, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Bridgewater. Burial will be in Cape Breton, alongside his daughter, at a later date. No flowers by request, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com
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Joan Sigston
Sorry for their loss . Len an my late husband Ron were like brothers and went bird watching for many years , he was a fine man, and good friend
Maureen (MacDonald) Jablonski
To Gary, Janette, Peter, Alexandra, Mark and Brennen. So sorry for the loss of your father, father-in-law and grandfather. Living in Ontario, I did not see Uncle Leonard as much as I would have liked, but saw him enough to get to know his character. My husband Jerry and I appreciated his sociability and good-naturedness. He met our sons when they were little and was good to them. He was a positive, upbeat person. Another positive was his industriousness, not only with his work in National Defense and Parks Canada, but also with his family, his hobbies like birding, and he and Aunt Pat’s Bed and Breakfast. He was a going concern. We will always remember him fondly and with love.
Condolences from Jerry, Maureen, James and Patrick Jablonski
Don and Elizabeth Webster
We were saddened to read of Len’s passing. He was a wonderful person, so courteous and kind to meet, and to chat with. His family has suffered a great loss. We offer our deepest sympathy.
Pat Patterson
To Len’s family – please accept my sincere condolences. I met Len when I started working at Queens Business Development Centre (now South Shore Opportunities CBDC) 20 odd years ago. He served on the Board as Chair, and it was always a pleasure to interact with him. He was a wonderful, kind and caring gentleman, and I know you all will feel his loss deeply.
May your good memories comfort you in the days ahead.
Pat Patterson
Paula & Bobby Burke
Dear Pat, Gary, Peter and family. We were very sad to hear of Leonard’s passing. I have very fond memories of Leonard when you all lived on Oxford Avenue in Sydney Mines. He was always so welcoming and kind to everyone. When you were in conversation with Leonard he always had a way of making you feel very special and you felt he was really interested in knowing what was going on in your life. A perfect gentleman he will always be fondly remembered by those he touched. Thoughts and prayers going your way through this very difficult time.
Shirley Kirk
So sorry for your loss.
Shirley
David Webster
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Vernon & Joyce Hawkes
Pat and family. We are so sorry for your loss. He was a great and fine gentleman.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Vernon & Joyce Hawkes
Marilyn 'MCGinty' Cobb
Pat & family,
My sincere condolences to you all. I remember Leonard visiting Janet & Clarence at their place in West Caledonia – Janet & Clarence were very fond of you both.
Regards, Marilyn
Max and Myra
Pat ,Gary and Peter…so sorry to read of Len,s passing…Len was a true gentleman and we were proud to have known him…our deepest sympathy
George, Stewart, Elaine Brown
Please accept our sincere condolences We were Neighbors of Len and his family on Shore Road in Sydney Mines.
So sorry for your Loss..
sheila delong
Sorry to hear of len’s passing. He was a wonderful man. I enjoyed the years that he was a director at the credit union. When in caledonia he always stopped in to chat. God keep you and bless you.
Mike and Sandy O'Leary
Dear Pat, Gary, Peter and family…
Mike and I are so deeply saddened for your loss. Len was a dear friend and a ray of sunshine particularly in my life. He always had a smile and a cheerful word and “NEVER” forgot a birthday! He was always helping someone.
He was loving, kind, generous and a true “gentle” man.
Mike and I were truly blessed to have him in our life
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Sandy