We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sheldon MacDonald, husband, father, papa and friend, in his 87th year at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Palliative Care Unit on January 5, 2022 surrounded by the presence and love of his family.
Sheldon was the oldest son of the late Malcolm and Lena (Collins) MacDonald. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Carolyn (Ashe), children Shelley (John) Eisses, Bruce (Michelle) and C.M., grandchildren Shio (Elliot), Spencer (Blair), Maxwell and Wolff as well as brothers and sisters in law Debbie MacDonald, George (Violet) Ashe, Agnes (Darien) Ingraham, Hugh Ashe, and Frances Billard, nieces, nephews and cousins. Close friends Allen, Sophie and Jack Zhou.
Besides his parents, Sheldon was predeceased by his brother Neil and his father and mother in law George and Catherine (Ferguson) Ashe.
Sheldon gives full credit to his mother Lena (a former school teacher) for encouraging him to pursue teaching, an excellent decision that led to 37 years as a teacher/principal in Glace Bay and Sydney. He was a graduate of the Nova Scotia Normal College, Truro and received his BA and BEd degrees at Mt. Allison University and his Masters in Education at the University of Maine.
Sheldon first taught at Caledonia School in Glace Bay then he became Principal at Eastmount School, Sydney, Central School (8yrs) and Woodhill Jr. High where he was the Principal for 18 years and then Vice Principal for Glace Bay High School ‘s opening year before taking a well earned retirement.
Sheldon helped to restart the Sydney Academy Summer School and remained as supervisor for 3 yrs. He was an active member of the Teacher’s Union, a member of the Sydney School Administration Association, as well as the Retired Teacher’s Association and the Glace Bay Hospital Foundation. Both he and wife Carolyn were adherent’s and regular attenders of the Glace Bay Baptist Church.
Upon his retirement he spent hours in his woodworking shop where he entertained many visitors (including the canine variety). He gained great pleasure in sharing his woodworking with everyone who visited, giving most of what he made away. His woodwork ranged from housing construction to furniture, toys and puzzles. Although he was a teacher by profession, Sheldon could build or fix almost anything. When he & his brother Neil were younger, they were an unbeatable team and tackled just about any project together. Sheldon was loved deeply and will be missed greatly.
A memorial service for Sheldon will be announced at a later date . Memorials and donations can be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Patten Funeral Home. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.pattenfuneral.com. We would like to extend a big thank you to the Dr. Ley and staff for your care over the years as well as the many Drs. and staff of the Cardiac Unit in Sydney and Glace Bay, the Heart Function Clinic, Pacemaker Clinic, Emergency Dept of Glace Bay and Sydney Hospital and most recently EHS and Drs and Staff of 4A, Palliative Care CBRH. Your excellent care and kindness to Sheldon and our family has been appreciated more than you know.
