It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Francis Roderick "Rod" MacDonald, of Erinville, Guysborough County, on Wednesday, May 11th, at home with his loving family.
Born in Salmon River Lake, Guysborough County, he was the youngest son of the late Francis and Rose Ellen (Burns) MacDonald and the last surviving member of his immediate family. A man of strong faith and an active member of St. Thomas Church, Salmon River Lake, he served as Warden until his passing.
A graduate of Nova Scotia Teachers College, he was a dedicated teacher and enjoyed a lengthy career providing instruction and guidance in schools in Dartmouth, Antigonish, Erinville, and Guysborough until his retirement in 1994. During retirement he continued to teach in various capacities such as Adult Education, Hunter’s Safety, detailed wood carving, stained glass, and the accordion, always enjoying his students’ successes.
He had a passion for gardening, a natural talent for carpentry, and he entertained many over the years with his beautiful accordion playing. He proudly passed his knowledge on to his children and grandchildren.
Rod loved everything about nature, enjoying many trips around the province and to Newfoundland with friends and family. A highlight for him was the annual fishing weekend with friends at the cottage on Salmon River Lake. He was a member of the Broadhorns ATV club and organized an annual ATV Rally for many years. He was also an avid fly fisherman, taxidermist, and auctioneer.
A founding member of the Erinville District Volunteer Fire Department, he served many years in various capacities and devoted much time to helping the community organize Erinville Come Home Days.
A devoted father and grandfather, he is survived by his daughters, Kimberly (John) Hillier, Alberta; Lisa (Archie) Avery, Pomquet; and Rachel (Richard) Ellis, Florida, sons, Jonathan (Amanda) and Aaron (Nancy), both of Erinville; fourteen grandchildren whom he adored, Alex, Nic, Cayden, Josh, Brianna, Brennan, Cindy (Cody), Jack, Aaron, Brandi, Jesse, Landen, Liam and Katie; and two great-granddaughters, Lillian Kaye and Emelia Raye Thomas; brothers-in-law Jack Forbes and Sam Carr; sisters-in-law, Alexina MacDonald, Naomi DeCoste, and Connie Westendorf; and many special nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, Catherine (Kaye) Carr; siblings, Kathleen (late James) Farrell, H. Joseph (late Mary), Robert (late Christina), Bernard (late Elsie), Mary "Mame" (late Joseph) Morrison, Ed, and Millie (Jack) Forbes, sister-in-law, Mary Theresa DeCoste and great-granddaughter, Aubrey June Thomas.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 18th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday at 11:00 am in St. Thomas Church, Salmon River Lake, Father Callistus Abazie presiding.
Memorial donations to the Shamrock Community Development Fund or Erinville District Volunteer Fire Department appreciated. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com