It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Grant MacDonnell, age 75, who passed away peacefully on May 10th, 2019, after a brief illness.
Born on April 17th, 1944 to the late Ella Mae (Grant) and Colin Francis MacDonell, Grant went on to become a proud graduate of St. Mary’s University with both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degree. He enjoyed a long career in education at the Nova Scotia Community College and made a lasting impact on his students and colleagues. Upon retirement, Grant threw himself into his small business, MacDonnell Wood Fuels, and took great pleasure in working outdoors and visiting with his customers. Grant was the past President of the Antigonish Liberal Association and reveled in talking politics and reading history. Always curious and outgoing, Grant took up Gaelic classes, enjoyed playing the guitar, loved fiddle music, card games, and dances. With a sharp wit and a dry humour, Grant could turn any gathering into an entertaining one. Grant was a proud father and devoted grandfather. He instilled a love of music, sports, conversation, education, and a reverence for nature into his children. He found total joy in his grandchildren and spent endless hours at the rink, showering them with treats, playing games, and reading stories.
He is survived by his loving wife, Veronica MacGillivary; his children, Claire, Joseph, Maggie (Dullah), and John (Jacqueline); the mother of his children Aurelia (Chiasson) MacDonnell; his step-children Vernon (Rose) MacGillivary; Michelle (Blaise) Dobbin; Tara (Duane) Arsenault; Ryan (Jaymie) MacGillivary; his grandchildren, Lucassie, Maggie Mae, Zelabella, and one more expected grandchild; his 11 step grandchildren; sisters, Anna Hyde and Sr. Margie MacDonell; sister-in-law, Catherine (Kevin) Bonvie; niece and nephew, Alanna Russell and Michael Hyde and their families.
Grant was pre-deceased by his brother, Danny, and brother-in-law, Max Hyde.
At Grant’s request, there will be no visitation, but a Memorial Mass will be held at St. Ninian’s Cathedral on Saturday, May 18th, 2019 at 11 AM with Rev. Donald MacGillivray presiding. Burial to follow at St. Ninian’s Cemetery.
The family extends sincere gratitude to Dr. Sarah Fraser, Dr. Jane Anne Howard, and the nursing staff of the Palliative Care Unit at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital.
Memorial donations may be made to the St. Martha's Regional Hospital Foundation or the Cape Breton Cancer Centre.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com