It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear father, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle - Vernon George MacDonald, age 88, on June 11, 2022, during exceptional care at Hospice Cape Breton, after succumbing to his long term illness.
Born November 21, 1933, to the late Donald and Margaret (Willetts) MacDonald, Vernon was the baby of his family with 11 siblings. He was last surviving member of the MacDonald family of Birch Grove. Vernon spent his entire life in the Grove as he liked to call it. After the death of his father, Vernon became a coal miner at age 16 to help care for his mother at home. He worked primarily in No. 20 and No. 26 collieries and retired in 1979. He often talked to his family about his time in the Pit and how there were many happy and sad days. He mentioned just recently how he’d go back to the mine any day to work if he was able to do it. It seemed fitting that he passed on Davis Day, as his time in the coal mines had a tremendous impact on his life.
In 1954, Vernon married the love of his life, Mora Kathleen Nicholson. Together they had 4 children and built a wonderful life together. Vernon was a member of Victoria Presbyterian Church, Birch Grove. He was active in his community, involved in the school board, fire department and was a life long member of the Progressive Conservative party. Vernon was happiest spending time with Mora, taking drives around the Island, stopping at a brook to take some time to fish. He and Mora took great pride in their home and he enjoyed gardening and taking meticulous care of his yard, often whistling a tune as he worked. Vernon, or Poppy as he was known to us, was a kind, generous and gracious man who was happiest at home surrounded by his family.
Left to mourn are daughters, Nancy (Blair) Hopkins and Heather Giovannetti, son, Blair (Leslie) MacDonald, grandchildren Mora Dawn Giovannetti (Kevin Nolan), Alison Giovannetti (Darren Gallop), Alex McDonald (Erin Peach) and Beth McDonald (Matthew Graham), great-granddaughters Sophie and Margaret Graham, great-grandson, Ryker McDonald, son-in-law, John (Donna) McDonald and step-grandchildren, Ken and Angela Hopkins. Vernon is also survived by many nieces and nephews that were dear to his heart.
Vernon is predeceased by his wife, Mora Kathleen MacDonald, daughter Carol Jane McDonald, granddaughter Margaret Jane in infancy, son-in-law Donald Giovannetti, brothers Robert, Pringle and Donald; sisters Annie, Florence, Georgina, Janet, Sarah, Isabelle, Louise and Mary.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation, with masking required, will be held Friday, June 17th, 2022 from 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Patten Funeral Home, 71 Union Street, Glace Bay, with a service to celebrate his life immediately following. Burial will be in Black Brook Cemetery, Port Morien. For those unable to attend the service will be livestreamed via Patten’s Facebook Page. We encourage all those who wish to make donations and memorials in Vernon’s memory to give to Hospice Cape Breton.
The family would like to thank family physician Dr. Mark Ellerker, nursing staff of 3rd floor Glace Bay Hospital, private care givers Sandra, Marlene and Rose who provided excellent care to Dad at home the last few months, as well as the Palliative Care team - particularly Dr. Burns and Vicky MacMullen. Also thanks to special niece Norma who checked in with Dad daily and nephews Dwight, Roy and Donnie whose visits and help with chores brought him great joy the last few years of his life.
Special acknowledgements must be given to Dr. D’Intino and the extraordinary staff of the newly built Hospice Cape Breton where Dad was a patient. In the last few weeks of Dad’s life, you all were so compassionate, allowing us to spend time with Dad as his family and not as his caregivers. The comfort and care he received was outstanding and our family cannot thank you enough for being Dad’s angels, tending to his every need while supporting us through this process. We will be forever grateful.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be sent to the MacDonald Family at www.PattenFuneral.com.
