Sir Joseph Allan MacDonald, LRSM, AHCM, RMT., ONB, Chev. L.H
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that the family announces the passing of Joseph on Saturday, June 3rd at Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst, NB. Joseph was born in Pictou, NS and educated at the Stella Maris Convent School and Pictou Academy. He served in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II as a radar operator and ship’s writer. After the War, he graduated from the Halifax Conservatory of Music and the Royal Schools of Music, London, England, in organ and choral. He received a Masters Degree in Liturgical Music from the Gregorian Institute and was appointed organist at Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Halifax, NS. He was also organist and choir director at HMCS Stadacona and a member and past Chairman of the Royal Canadian College of Organists, Halifax Chapter. Joseph met his future wife Carmel White in Halifax and were married in 1959. They were blessed with their four children John, Mary, Anne and Margaret.
Joseph was a representative of the pipe organ building firm, Casavant Frères Ltée, operating under the company Ledoux and MacDonald. He was a pipe organ consultant and Professor of Organ at Mount St. Vincent University and Holy Heart Seminary, Halifax, NS. He taught music in the Dartmouth City Schools, and at the Halifax School for the Blind, now APSEA. He was Organist and Choir Director at Stairs Memorial United Church in Dartmouth, NS, where he built a 26-stop pipe organ.
Carmel and Joseph moved to the family farm in North Tetagouche, near Bathurst, NB in 1975. He immediately embraced his new life as a farmer where they worked to renovate the family farmhouse and bring a heritage apple orchard back into production. He also accepted a position with First United Church as Organist and Choir Director for 21 years and following, was Organist and Choir Director at Holy Family Church. He was the first Chair of the new District 15 English School Board in Bathurst and Treasurer of the Northern Regional Development Council. He was a Life Member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Herman J. Good Branch #18 in Bathurst, Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree member, Oblate of Saint Benedict, Honorary Member of the Irish Canadian Cultural Association of New Brunswick, Bathurst Chapter, and Past Chairman Bathurst Agricultural Society #3.
Joseph was honoured in 2007, receiving the Order of New Brunswick the highest honour of the Province of New Brunswick. In 2014 he was appointed Chevalier of Ordre National de la Légion d’Honneur, France’s premier award, founded by Napoleon Bonaparte to recognize eminent accomplishments of service to France.
Predeceased by his wife, Carmel in November 2016, his parents, Michael and Matilda (Dadeau) MacDonald, brothers Angus, Allan, Bernie, Jackie, and Michael and sisters Elizabeth and Mary. He is survived by his 4 children John(Beatrice) Halifax, Mary(Murray) Kyle Bathurst, Anne Jennings, Bathurst and Margaret MacDonald North Tetagouche, NB, grandchildren, Greg, Angus and Henry MacDonald, Halifax, Doug and Julia Kyle and Tim Jennings, Bathurst, brother Dan (Nancy) MacDonald, Fox Point NS and sister Patricia (Jerrold) Guilliams, Perryville MO, USA. Also surviving are many nephews, nieces and cousins across Canada and the United States.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Elhatton’s Funeral Home, Bathurst. Wake and Vigil will be held on Thursday, June 8th 2 – 4 pm and 7 – 9pm and Friday from 2 p.m. until time of Funeral. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Holy Family Church, St Peter’s Ave, Bathurst Friday, June 9th at 4 pm.
The family wishes to thank the doctors and care team at Chaleur Regional Hospital, Extra Mural Care NB and Unicare Home Health Care, Bathurst. Memorial donations can be made to Chaleur Regional Hospital (Extra Mural Care Program), Holy Family Church, First United Church or charity of your choice.
Joseph lived an exemplary life, as a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, community leader and friend. He is now with Mom and the Lord in heaven.
"May eternal rest be granted to him and let perpetual light shine upon him"
