Reverend Neil MacDonald

Neil died peacefully on Monday, June 1st, lying beside his wife Linda of 64 years.

Raised in Bridgeport, Cape Breton, Neil grew up in the care of his mother, who also raised four of his cousins under the same roof. Of those cousins, Mary Lou was as close to Neil as any sibling. She and her husband Vince were loyal companions to both Neil and Linda throughout the years.

His greatest passion was time spent with family and friends. Neil was an adventurer, steward, teller of big stories. Whether he was loading kids into the car after school for a ski run at Keppoch Mountain — complete with a homemade hockey stick and suction-cup ski rack (which only flew off the roof once) — or hosting waterskiing and campfires at Pringle Lake, he was a kid with the kids. No venture was complete without his legendary homemade camping boxes, packed with an abundance of supplies that covered every situation. Much like his workshop, there was always more than enough of everything — Neil believed in being prepared, and then being prepared again just in case.

The arrival of grandchildren brought a whole new wave of that same energy. He was as present and engaged with his grandkids as he had been with his own children. Summers on the South Shore beach meant cookouts, games, and memories that will last a lifetime — and you can be sure the camping boxes were packed and ready.

Neil had always been a jack of all trades — and master of none, according to Linda — and he found real joy in his workshop, whether fixing, building, painting, or just puttering. He accumulated what can only be described as a warehouse of supplies — lumber, nuts, bolts, nails, screws, dryer hose, chair legs, and batteries, to name just a few.

After graduating from Mount Allison University and Pine Hill Divinity Hall — where he would later return to teach — Neil served congregations in Advocate Harbour, Musquodoboit Harbour, Waverley/Fall River, Antigonish, Halifax, and Liverpool/Hunts Point/Port Mouton. He also served at a United Methodist Church in Plainfield, New Jersey, while completing his Master's degree at Princeton University. Over 38 years he led Sunday services, provided pastoral care, and worked for social justice in every community he served. Beside Neil through all of it was his faithful supporter, Linda. He was known as a gifted preacher whose intelligence and compassion came through in everything he did.

Besides Linda (Tanner), he is survived by his children Andrew (Helen), Susan (Rob), and Ian (Pia), and six grandchildren Abby, Frances, Ian, Ben, Camryn, and Samu. He is predeceased by his grandson Tanner, who is lovingly remembered and forever missed.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Ridgewood Assisted Living in Bridgewater for their care and kindness throughout his time there with Linda.

To say he will be missed is an understatement.

While many wish to gather and celebrate Neil, we are honoring his request not to hold a formal service. We deeply appreciate your understanding and truly feel your warmth and support during this time.