MacDonald, Robert Burns, 82, of Linwood, Antigonish Co., passed away peacefully on January 16, 2012 at St. Martha's Regional Hospital.

Born on June 10, 1929 in Salmon River, Guysborough Co., he was the son of the late Francis and Rose(Burns) MacDonald. In his youth he worked as a sawyer; later at Gulf Oil Refinery in Point Tupper and retired from the Department of Transportation in 1994. He was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Sydney Local.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Christina (McKeough); childeren: Maureen, Halifax; Blaise (Ruth), Truro; Bonnie (Ron) Pilkington, Dartmouth; foster daughters Mary, Linwood and Margaret, New Glasgow; grandchildren: Christina, Fredericton, and Nathan, Truro; brothers and sisters: Joe (Mary), Antigonish; Mary (the late Joe) Morrison, Erinville; Millie (Jack) Forbes, Halifax; Rod (Kaye) Erinville.

Robert was predeceased by sister Kaye (James) Farrell, Salmon River; brothers Bernard (the late Elsie) Stayner, Ont; and Edward (Alexina) Antigonish.

Visitation will be Thursday from 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9 pm in St. Paul's Centre, Havre Boucher. Funeral Mass will be held Friday in St. Paul's Church at 2:00pm, Rev. Allan MacPhee presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory may be made to St. Paul's Parish, St. Martha's Regional Hospital Foundation or a charity of choice.

The family is grateful for the exceptional care given by Dr. William Booth, Dr. Mary Gorman, the nursing and other staff at St. Martha's Regional Hospital, the Victorian Order of Nurses, and home care staff involved in Robert's care.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com