Donald Stephen MacLeod

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Donald Stephen MacLeod who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Donnie was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Donnie knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      Donnie was born on October 24, 1943 at Salvation Army House on Bentinck St in Sydney, Nova Scotia. His parents were John D and Elizabeth MacLeod. Donnie was raised in Sydney. Even as a youngster, Donnie learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Donnie was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Donnie was raised with eight siblings. He had older brothers John, Doug and Roy, younger brothers Dennis and Murdock--older sister Shirley and younger sisters Dolly and Raylene. Donnie had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Donnie, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      Donnie's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Donnie enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Donnie took part in hockey. He was a cadet. In his spare time he liked seeing how much trouble he could get into. Donnie's memorable achievements included placed first for all his classes in elementary.

      Donnie was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Donnie was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Donnie came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Peter Burke, Joseph MacMillan, John Daniel MacDonald. Later in life, he became friends with Dave Polley and Ev and Mona Walker, Jeannie and Stan Gruberman.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Donnie reveled in the security of his family. On September 11, 1965 Donnie exchanged wedding vows with Helen Lillian Romankevitch at the St. Clare's Roman Catholic Church of Toronto, Ontario. One of Donnie’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      Donnie was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Donnie would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Donnie was blessed with three children, Two daughters Dawn and Erin and one son Christopher. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, Tyler, Rhys, Makinley, Owen, Ryan and Kate.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Donnie was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Donnie was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Donnie upheld his standards. His primary occupation was truck driver and school bus driver. He was employed for 17 years with Cape Breton Regional School Board, before that he was a truck driver and before that he worked as a machinist for Catapillar Tractors. Donnie was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Donnie approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were fishing, working on puzzles, crosswords and wood working. He loved to watch Jeopardy to test his store of knowledge. Donnie was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Donnie to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Gentleman's hockey league and bowling. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey, football and horse racing.

      Being generous with his time and energy, Donnie liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Donnie was an active member of the UCT, and a Cub leader.

      A civic-minded person, Donnie was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Donnie was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the UCT, Salvation Army "Cafe", Loaves and Fishes. During these years, Donnie applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.

      Faith was important to Donnie. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish for approx. 40 years. During that time, he was a greeter.

      As someone who placed a high value on showing gratitude, Donnie could graciously accept a “thank you” extended to him by those he helped. However, individual recognition wasn’t a motivating force for Donnie; rather, when he saw that there was a need to get something done, he was more than willing to give his time and energy in order to see it accomplished. Some of his most prestigious awards included he was a Volunteer of the Week for Loaves and Fishes.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Donnie used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Donnie had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included driving to the States and across Canada to see family and going to Barbados.

      Donnie was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Donnie’s favorites was Sam 1, a small mixed breed---Sam 11 was a cocker spaniel poodle mix. They were best friends for he had Sam 11 for 18 years. His family was rounded out by his cat Sandy, budgie bird Scottie.

      Donnie’s retirement finally arrived in 2000, due to a heart attack. His new life involved staying in Sydney. In retirement, he found new pleasure in ice fishing and fishing with his boat. In many ways, Donnie loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Donnie passed away on November 25, 2018 at Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney. He had COPD--bad heart--bad back(from fall down stairs) and last, he was told that he had cancer. He is survived by his wife Helen, his children Dawn(Keith), Chris(Kerry) and Erin(Shawn) his grandchildren Tyler(Jessica), Rhys, Makinley, Owen, Ryan and Kate, his sisters Shirley, Dolly and Raylene and his brothers John, Roy and Murdock. Services were held at Our Lady of Fatima Parish Church. Donnie was laid to rest in Forest Haven Memorial Gardens.

      All who knew him would agree that Donnie was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Donald Stephen MacLeod did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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Donald Stephen MacLeod

Blackett’s Lake

Donald Stephen MacLeod, age 75 passed away at Cape Breton Regional Hospital on Sunday, November 25, 2018.

Born in Sydney he was the son of the late John D. MacLeod and Elizabeth (MacMullin) MacLeod.

Donald was an active volunteer of Salvation Army “Café” Loaves and Fishes and past member of UCT. He loved puzzles, crosswords, and Jeopardy. He was an avid fisherman when he was well.

Donald is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Helen (Romankevitch); daughters, Dawn (Keith) Grosset and Erin (Shawn) Barbon; son, Chris (Kerry) MacLeod; sisters, Shirley (Rich) Wludyka, Dolly McDonald, Raylene (Steve) Nannos; brothers, John (Dody), Roy (Audrey). Murdock (Jeannie); sisters-in-law, Catherine MacLeod and Mary Jane MacLeod; grandchildren, Tyler (Jessica) and Rhys Grosset, Makinley Barbon, Owen, Ryan and Kate MacLeod.

Donald was predeceased by brothers, Douglas and Dennis; brother-in-law, Ambrose Mc Donald and niece, Maureen Carroll.

We would like to thank Dr. Susan MacLeod, Dr. Zwicker, Dr. Burns and the staff at C.B. Regional for all the care and compassion.

Visitation will be held 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27 at T. W. Curry Parkview Chapel. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 28 at Our Lady of Fatima Church, Sydney River. Fr. Patrick O’Neill will officiate. Burial will be at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens at a later date.

Donations in Donald’s memory may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton.

Words of Comfort may be sent to his family by visiting www.twcurry.com