MacDonald Donald Joseph "Donnie Banks"

With heavy hearts, we would like to announce the death of Donald Joseph MacDonald on September 22, 2015 in Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital.

Born in Inverness on January 16, 1939, Donnie was a son of the late Donald and Georgina MacDonald. He will be remembered and dearly missed by his loving wife, Jeanette "Nettie" and the many family and friends whose lives he touched. He leaves behind his sons, Kevin and Darryl, both of Massachusetts; stepchildren, Debra, South Korea; Jennifer (Aaron), Halifax; Lewis (Chantelle), Port Hood; and Marion, Port Hood; brothers, Wendell (Geri), Dwight (Jane), Zachary (Debbie), John (Pam) all in Massachusetts; and sister, Margaret "Mugsy" Florida, Sarah (John) Frederiction; aunt Hermine, New Waterford; uncle, Carl (Agatha), New Waterford and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Georgina; brother, Gregory; uncles, Alexander and Gregory; aunts, Mary, Ann, Gertrude, Genevieve, Regis, Matilda, Sylvia, Margaret, Rose, Leonie, and Catherine.

Donnie’s first job was at the Royal Bank of Canada in Inverness, Nova Scotia. In his early twenties, Donnie made the decision to move to Boston to start a new career path. He began working as a miner and continued in this role for the rest of his career as a superintendent of drilling, mining and blasting. Donnie and his late wife, Florence Jean Bigelow, remained in Massachusetts near their sons, Kevin and Darryl.

Donnie developed a true love for sports at a young age and he carried that passion over to many years of coaching. He knew the value of hard work and determination and tried to instill those values in his players. Donnie showed this attitude in all areas of his life and showed great kindness to those around him. He had a strong presence but a very compassionate and gentle soul. Throughout the years, Donnie loved to come home to spend the summers in Inverness with family and friends, and eventually moved back permanently for retirement and married his spouse Jeanette MacDonald. Cremation has taken place. Wake to be held in Inverness Funeral Home on Monday, September 28th2015 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, September 29th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Margaret of Scotland Parish Church, Broad Cove. Family flowers only, and donations in memory can be made to Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital or the charity of choice.

On-line condolences may be made to www.invernessfuneralhome.com