Rollie was the loving husband of Frances (Somers) for sixty-one years and the beloved father for Brian (Morag), Stephen (Kathy), Shannon (Camille) LeBlanc, Michael (Kim), Kathleen (Bill) Walton, Kevin (Karen), D’Arcy (Anne), Erin and Seana. He is also survived by his 22 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Rollie cherished family and friends and loved to be in their company whenever possible.
Born on December 10, 1926, in Sydney, NS, Rollie was the son of Otty and Amelia (McNeil) McDonah. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his only sister Mary Eileen and brothers Donald, Roderick, Gregory and John.
Rollie loved to learn and attended Sydney Academy, graduated from Xavier Junior College, Sydney and later received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University. Through the years, he worked in a number of careers starting at the Sydney Steel Plant and then numerous roles with the Federal Public Service where he retired in 1988 as the regional director of finance and administration for Parks Canada.
Rollie was also very active in the community. He volunteered for several years at the IWK Hospital as a member of the Kiwanis Golden K Club and was an active contributor to many activities in his parish and neighbourhoods. He was a member of the Canadian Army Militia, serving with the Cape Breton Highlanders, 3 Militia Group and Halifax Rifles.
An active sailor, Rollie participated in many sailing regattas with his family in Halifax as well as Chester and Lunenburg. He also loved to travel and meet people. He could rouse a smile from all he met with a wink and a Werther.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at Saint Thomas Aquinas Canadian Martyrs Parish (1725 Oxford St.) at 11AM on Saturday, February 25, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. Cremation and Internment will take place at a later date.
The family expresses special thanks to the nurses and doctors at the QEII, the paramedics at EHS, Dr. Graeme Bethune and to the VON for their dedication and compassionate care.
In memory of Rollie, please consider donating to Chalice, the Neurofibromatosis Society of Nova Scotia (nfsns.org) or a charity of choice and by serving others with an act of kindness.
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