Obituary of Donald Brian Patrick “Donnie” MacDonald

 Age 80 of KlineHeights, Halifax, passed away on March 12, 2015 at the QEII Infirmary. Donnie was the last living member of his direct family, predeceased by his mother and father, Elsie (Bell) and Francis MacDonald; brother Earle (Flora); two sisters in infancy; sisters Marion "Molly" (William) Zwicker, Genevieve "Gen" (Fred) Drysdale, Norma (Herbie) Saunders, Myrna (Tom) Mosher; daughter Debra and son Gary MacDonald.  Donnie is Survived by his wife Rhoda MacDonald (Zinck); sons Franky (Cindy), Bobby and David MacDonald; daughters Kathy Annis, Charlene Clarke (Sheldon) and Susan Messinger (Frank). A father of 8, he was as much a friend and buddy as he was a Dad. Married at age 14, his wife Rhoda dedicated her life to Donnie and their children. She remained by his side to the very end. They were blessed with 11 healthy grandchildren; Gary Boudreau, Bobby MacDonald, Brian Makhoul, Jeff MacDonald, Bashir Makhoul, Cynthia MacDonald, Matthew Annis (Guillaine), Joey MacDonald, Lynne Dempsey (Kyle), Jessica Annis and Karam Makhoul; 10 great grandchildren, Britney and Jordan Field, Brendalee MacDonald, Emma Powell, Georgia Messinger, Jada Fiddler, Mya Kindlan-Annis, Kaden Gray, Isabelle Kindlan-Annis, Frances Dempsey, and 1 great, great grandchild, Gage Field, capturing 5 generations.  Donnie had many wonderful nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. Donnie was a man of 5’3" but had the efficacy of a 6’ man.  He was a unique personality, the brain child; an engineering mindset; the boss, hence his life long nick name "The Colonel".  He was primarily a land surveyor but was also a great butcher, carpenter and an artist of sorts.  He enjoyed tinkering, creating and fixing things whether they needed it or not.  He loved to hunt and fish.  His absolute favourite pass time was spent playing his guitar and organ for anyone who’d listen. He was a comical man with a great sense of humour and famous for his sarcastic one liners. Donnie’s best friend was the late Junior Rose of Kline Heights. They spent many magical times together sharing music and cheer.  His late cousin "Smilin’ Ivan Dorey" was also someone he adored, telling stories of them singing live on radio when they were young. Dad loved the kitchen.  He was famous for his Honey Garlic Ribs and Rice, Peanut Butter Cookies and his homemade (explosive but tasty) blackberry wine. We miss you so much already Dad and hope you are resting peacefully. Arrangements are under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd where a funeral service will take place Saturday March 21 at 1pm in the funeral home chapel.                                                             With love, Your Family