Bathurst – Donald John MacMinn, 70, of Bathurst, passed away on Thursday (January 27, 2011) at the Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst, after a prolonged period of deteriorating health.

Donald was born in Bathurst, he was the son of the late Hugh and Marion (Neilson) MacMinn.

He graduated from Bathurst High School and had a career as a salesman, eventually owning and operating his own paint store.  His many friends and customers will remember him not only as knowledgeable, but as a friendly, caring person who genuinely loved people.  Donald was an active member of his church, serving for many yeas as a lay preacher and traveling the north shore many Sunday mornings spreading God’s word.  His love for the Lord was deep and serving in his church was a passion for him; many lives were blessed by his willingness to let God speak through him in the pulpit.  He had a great love for God’s creation, and to him, nothing was greater than rising early, often before the sun, to work in his garden.  Donald also ran a beef and dairy farm with his brothers and has many treasured stories of the horses he owned during his life.  Farming and gardening were two of his greatest pleasures and his wisdom and green thumb will be missed at the Bathurst Farmers Market. 

Donald was predeceased by brothers Neil and Eric.  He is survived by his loving wife Sharon (Carey) MacMinn; siblings Rev. Helen MacMinn of Nairobi, Kenya, and David MacMinn (Brenda) of Harvey Station, NB; his children:

Nancy White (Loren) of Jackson, Miss, USA, Ian and Bryan both of Bathurst, Elizabeth McGarrigle (Mark) of Fredericton, NB; his eight grandchildren; Emma, Adam, Cynthia, Jesse, John, Rebecca, Hannah and Lily.  He is also survived by sisters-in-law Shirley MacMinn of Moncton, Louise MacMinn of Elmsdale, NS and several nieces and nephews.

The body will rest after 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Elhatton's Funeral Home, Bathurst.  Funeral Service will be held on Monday (January 31, 2011) at 11 a.m. from the Funeral Home Chapel, Bathurst.  Visiting hours are Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9.