Gerald "Bud" Patrick MacDonnell

Gerald "Bud" MacDonnell, Halifax, died peacefully at the VGH on May 11, 2019, in his 91st year. Bud was born and lived in the Hydrostone, Halifax, for 90 years. He was the son of the late James Lewis MacDonnell and Bertha (Keizer) MacDonnell. Bud is survived by his two daughters, Barbara (Frank Covey) and Sandra (Halifax); two grandsons, Clint (Brittany) (Red Deer) and Dustin (Lisa) (Toronto); two great grandsons, Samuel and Lucas (Red Deer). He was predeceased by his wife, Sarah Grace, whom he was married to for 66 years; two sisters, Peggy McNeil and Beatrice Theriault; and two brothers, James and Harold. Bud retired from DND after 35 years. He was a lifetime member of St. Joseph’s Church where he gave graciously of his time until its closing, assisting with Bingo and the choir. He was recognized by the Red Cross for 100 donations of blood as well as a plasma and platelets donation. As a father, Bud loved both of his daughters very much and made sure that they could do the essentials in life. He taught them both how to skate in their backyard, swim at Stadacona pool, row a boat, bait a fishing rod, drive a car, and use basic tools for home use. Dad will be fondly remembered for his infamous Christmas attire, consisting of the same pair of red cords worn for decades! Bud played competitive hockey and was on provincial championship teams at High School and Junior levels. He continued to skate well into his 80’s. Fishing and hunting were also a very important part of Bud’s life. After retirement, he started motorcycling and his last ride was to Enfield with his daughter Sandra when he was 80 years old. The center of family life for Bud was spending time at the summer cottage he built in the 60’s on Lake Charlotte. Every weekend he rallied the family together to enjoy quality time at the lake. Doing regular upkeep, enjoying good food and conversation, as well as, playing Auction 45 card games highlighted every trip. Some say it takes a village to raise a child, but many will understand it involves a village when caring for the elderly who are living independently. The family would like to sincerely thank the Health Care community who assisted Bud over the past few years especially, the VON; QEII Emergency; Urology Dept. (Liette Connor); and VGH 7A Palliative Care staff as well as the care workers from HomeInstead. His daughters would also like to thank nieces and nephews particularly Ralph and Joan Meade for card games and date squares; Jim McNeil for baked goods and apple pies; Wendy and Gary MacDonnell for hospital visits and a “good morning” Tims; Al McNeil, Larry and Gwen MacDonnell for their assistance in chores around the cottage, or just talking to Bud about their latest hunting and fishing experiences. Thanks to Paula McNeil for her shoulder for Barb and Sandee to lean on. A special thank you to son-in-law Frank Covey for talking about sports with Bud, understanding his card playing, and being with him at the end; Ross Cameron, 91, his lifelong friend, for his visits to Bud to play cribbage and enjoy a drink of rye; to Reverend Sean, Bud thought very kindly of you for looking after his wife during her end of life, and he greatly appreciated your continued visits with him. Visitation at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor St, on Wednesday, May 15th, from 6-8 pm. Funeral service will be at Hope United Church, Connaught Ave, on Thursday, May 16th, at 11 am followed by burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Nova Scotia Nature Trust.