Obituary of Arthur Alfred MacDonald

Exceptional husband and father. Caring son, brother and friend. Genuine. Thoughtful. Kind. 

These are just a few words that describe Art MacDonald, who passed away on December 13 at the age of 52 after a short but fierce battle with cancer.

Born in New Glasgow and growing up in Dartmouth, he attended Prince Andrew High School, and went on to complete a Bachelor of Science Degree at Dalhousie University.  Art had a long and successful career in the healthcare industry, most recently as Director of Sales for STI Technologies Limited. He had a reputation for being a great motivator – a leader who took the time to listen and mentor his team.

In all aspects of his life, Art had a special ability to see people’s potential and help them be their very best. Whenever you ran into him, he was always genuinely interested in what was going on in your life, school, sports and family. 

Art had a great way of inspiring people in his own wise and understated way. He was an excellent listener, who always provided great advice and could be counted on to help you see a different perspective – often one that was a little more positive, usually with his dry humour thrown in for good measure. Even in the toughest of situations, he was a calming influence who could give you confidence that everything would work out.  

A big believer in the power of sport, Art also had a positive and lasting impact on his larger community through his many years as a minor hockey coach, helping countless young men and women become not just better hockey players, but better people. 

As a young man, Art cherished many great MacDonald family memories.  Some of his fondest were taking part in the bi-annual Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race with his dad and brother.

Most of all he loved his family. When Art and Christina started their family, they were true partners, based on a mutual respect and a deep love for each other and their children Alexander (17), Adam (15), and Olivia (13). Together, they raised three amazing kids who are strong, caring, and principled. Art’s legacy lives on in his family who embody his stand-up qualities of kindness, positivity, hard work, loyalty, and a true ability to connect with others.

Art leaves the best part of himself with all of us, and we are all better for knowing him. In honour of his memory, help lift someone up, ask about their day, share your talent with others, and love your family fiercely and unapologetically. 

Art is survived by his wife of 18 years, Christina; sons, Alexander and Adam; daughter, Olivia; parents, Jim and Freda; brother Craig (Alyson); and many beloved in-laws, nephews, and nieces.

A celebration of Art’s life will take place at 1 pm Thursday, December 20 at Rock Church in Lower Sackville, with reception to follow.  For those unable to attend, the celebration will be lived streamed and can be viewed at  http://Youtube.com/rockchurchhfx

In lieu of flowers, donations in Art’s memory can be made to KidSport Nova Scotia (http://www.kidsportcanada.ca/nova-scotia/donation/) or the Carcinoid-NeuroEndocrine Tumour Society (CNETS) – Canada (www.cnetscanada.org).