Obituary of Tommy MacDonald

We are saddened to announce the passing of Tommy MacDonald, age 65, on March 9th, 2021, in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Tommy was born on July 10^th, 1955 in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. He was the son of the late John Joseph and Irene MacDonald. He grew up in Antigonish, fell in love, got married, raised his family, and spent his life here.

Tommy started his career at St.F.X. University in 1977 and put in 42 years of service. Originally hired as a custodian, Tommy then moved to the old Memorial Rink where he looked after the ice in the winter months and more recently had been the ‘keeper of the ice’ at the Charles V. Keating Centre until he retired in 2019. Tommy was always willing to lend a hand and greeted everyone with a friendly hello. He never missed an X-Men or X-Women hockey game. Tommy was the recipient of the StFX Athletics ‘X-Ceptional Award,’ in 2015 which recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to contribute in a positive manner to StFX Athletics.

Tommy was a devoted family man, a dedicated husband, and father first and foremost. He treasured his wife and children and embraced every moment with them. He especially loved his role as Papa.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Tommy. He and Rosalie loved taking road trips around the province, their walks at the landing, bonfires in the backyard, or a few games of crib. Tommy especially enjoyed spending time at the rink watching his grandchildren play hockey or at the ball field watching his son pitch at AGR games.

Tommy will be missed by his loving wife, best friend and soul mate of over 41 years, Rosalie (MacDonald). Proud father of Melissa (Ken) and Craig, Antigonish; grandfather to Nolan and Paige Chisholm.  He is also survived by sisters Mary Emma MacDonald, Pictou; Claire (Hughie) Punch, Kirkland Lake; Esther MacDonald, Antigonish; and brother Daniel MacDonald, Ontario and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sisters, Helen MacDougall and Carmel MacDonald.

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Skerry, Dr. Hendricks and Dr. MacEachen, as well, to the staff of ICU at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital for their kind and compassionate care.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 11th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish. A Private Family Funeral Service will be held Friday. Burial will be held at a later date in St. Ninian’s Cemetery, Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Donations in Tommy’s memory may be made to St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation. Please note: COVID-19 protocols will be in place at visitation. www.MacIsaacs.ca