MacDonald, Ronald Cameron, 89, of James River, passed away in palliative care at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish on January 20th, 2024.
The son of William Colin and Catherine (MacFarlane) MacDonald, Ronald was born September 11, 1934, and lived his whole beautiful life in James River, with his beloved and devoted wife of 27 years, Ann Marie (Mattie).
Ronald was deeply committed to his faith and family. Devotedly, participated in Holy Mass and daily prayer, giving thanks to God for all the blessings, lessons and fortunes received.
Ronald was a strong, sometimes stubborn to a fault, hardworking, kind man that dedicated his life providing for all those around him, in the ways he knew best; through hard work and prayer. Providing fresh food (meats, vegetables, and maple syrup), firewood, and a helping hand to all those he loved. He was a man of few words; but his knowledge and love of the land was something that he was always happy to talk about and share. The spring was always a busy time with the planting of his garden and many farm responsibilities but he never failed to show the special women in his life what they meant to him, with a fresh bouquet of May flowers, only revealing the best locations to his wife. He was not a man for travel; his ideal vacation was spent in the fall, hunting with his best friend, Donnie MacDonald.
When he wasn’t enjoying all the bounties and peace the land had to offer, he could often be found celebrating wins or struggling through the losses of his favorite sports teams the St Louis Cardinals and Toronto Maple Leafs. A common joy he shared with his siblings.
Ronald worked on the CN railroad from which he retired after 25 years of service. He had a love of hunting, trapping and farming the land. A love he learned from and shared with his father. With the help of his siblings and dear friends Dougie MacDonald and Anthony MacDonald, he maintained the family farm in James River until his last days.
He will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Ann Marie Mattie MacDonald; step children: Jason Andrews (wife Codi) Coldbrook; Tanya Andrews (wife Amanda), Antigonish and Melissa Andrews, Montreal QC; grandchildren Savanah Ilya Andrews, Coldbrook and Oliver Andrews, Coldbrook; sisters Mary Lillian, Antigonish, Tena, James River, Catherine CND, Sydney, Eunice (husband Tony McKinley), London, ON, Willena, New York, NY, brother Roddie (wife Brenda), James River; sister Maggie, James River; brother-in-law Donald Steele (Ann Marie), North Sydney; and sister-in-law Ann "Duff" MacDonald, James River.
He was the beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews and a faithful friend to so many. Memories of Ronald will be cherished and live on, "Our memories are a gift from God that death cannot destroy".
Besides his parents, Ronald was predeceased by in-laws Anthony and Margaret Mattie; sister Ann (wife of Donald Steele); brother Colin (husband of Ann MacDonald); brother-in-law John Budris (Husband of Willena).
The family would like to thank all of the doctors, especially his niece Dr. Karen MacDonald for her exceptional care and compassion , VON and palliative care nurses, and support teams who have provided exceptional care and support during this very difficult time.
Visitation will be in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish on Thursday January 25th, 2024, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Funeral Mass will be held in St. Joseph's Church, St. Joseph's on Friday, January 26th, 2024, at 11 am with Rev Tom Stephan presiding. A recording of the Funeral Mass will be available on this website on Thursday afternoon. Burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery at a later date.
Due to sensitivities, the family ask that you kindly respect their wishes for a scent free environment during the visitation and Funeral Mass.
Family flowers only please, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Saint Joseph’s Hillside Cemetery Association, 1013, Hwy #4, Antigonish, NS B2G 2K8 or Saint Joseph’s Church Renovation Fund.
.