Obituary of Gerard "JD" MacDonald
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gerard Anthony MacDonald, better known as “JD” to his friends and co-workers, on March 14, 2023 in St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish at the age of 70.
Born in Antigonish on August 28, 1952, he was the son of the late William Joseph and Mary Catherine (Cameron) MacDonald.
Gerard followed in his father’s footsteps and began his career as a Lineman with Nova Scotia Power in Pictou County in 1973. His journey took him all over Canada and the United States in a career he loved and excelled in. During his 50 years in the trade as a Journeyman Lineman, his main concern and focus was always on safety on the job, and it was very important to him to pass along his considerable skills, his father’s always good advice, and his many unbelievable (but true!) experiences on the job to new linemen to make sure that they were safe during their careers. Gerard worked in many different scenarios in the power industry during his career, and found great satisfaction when his work afforded him the opportunity to restore power to communities after power outages.
Gerard was an amazing storyteller. His sense of humor and ability to spin a tale made him more than welcome everywhere he went. Never at a loss for things to say, he had a story for everything, and he will always be remembered as being the funniest storyteller in the room.
Pool games with his friends, and Harley rides with brothers, nieces, nephews and friends were great sources of relaxation and enjoyment for Gerard during his retirement years, as well as meeting with friends at the Westville Tim Hortons for good coffee and great company.
Gerard was loved and will be missed by his many nieces and nephews. He always had room for anyone who needed a soft place to land, and they could always count on Uncle JD to be in their corner no matter what. He was a loyal friend and was always there to lend a hand wherever it was needed.
Gerard is survived by his loving wife Cathy Curtis-MacDonald; sisters Catherine Boswell, Anna Yuill, Margaret (Everil) Patton, Jeanette Hermanson, Josie (Gilbert) Green, Verna (Tom) Mahaffey, brothers Hugh (Carol), Daniel (Charmaine), Frank (Connie) and Kevin (Joanne); sister-in-law Linda Curtis (Craig Orr), as well as his many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Gerard was predeceased by his mother and father, father-in-law Don Curtis, brothers-in-law Allan Boswell, Roy Baigent, Michael Walsh and James Hermanson, and nephew Evan MacDonald.
His family received visitors on Friday, July 7 from 2-4 and 7-9pm at Eagles Funeral Home. His funeral service was held 11 am on Saturday July 8 at The Church of The Holy Name, Westville with Father Peter MacDonald officiating. The funeral may be watched on Facebook page of Stella Maris -Holy Name Catholic Church