In Memory

Rev. Donald MacDonald, SFM
1932-2000

By Fr. Gerald Curry, S.F.M.
October 2000

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Once again Scarboro missionaries mourn the loss of one of their members. Fr. Don Macdonald passed away on Saturday, May 13, at Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. “Fr. Buddy” to family and friends, “D.F.” (Donald Francis) to his colleagues at Scarboro Missions, Fr. Don had suffered a serious heart attack two weeks earlier at his home in Lismore. He was admitted to the intensive care unit, semi-conscious and dependent on life support. For two weeks his response was minimal and his struggle tolive ended on May 13.

Fr. Don was born in Ardness where he received his early education. He went on to Nova Scotia Teachers; College and St. Mary’s University, and upon graduation took a teaching position in Halifax. In 1955 he entered Scarboro Missions and was ordained by Bishop George Landry in December, 1959.

In 1960 Fr. Don was appointed to Japan. After language studies in Tokyo, he served in parishes in the Archdiocese of Nagasaki. During his career in Japan Fr. Don taught religious education at the Marist Brothers School in Kobe and at the School of the Sacred Heart sisters in Tokyo.

In Canada he was involved in the preparation of tow Society General Chapters and served as chairperson to the 982 General Chapter. From 1990 to 1996 he served as coordinator of our central house in Scarborough, Ontario.

Upon retirement Fr. Don returned to Nova Scotia and settled in Lismore, not far from Ardness where he was born. A proud Scot, he returned to the Scottish communities overlooking the Northumberland Strait, not far from Antigonish, the seat of the diocese. Fr. Don continued to serve the farmers and fishermen of the area, offering Mass and Sacraments wherever he was needed.

The tiny church of St. Mary’s in Lismore was filled to capacity with many relatives and friends to celebrate the Mass of the Resurrection. The church echoed with the soft sounds of the violin played by Fr. Don’s brother Hugh. Bagpipes accompanied Fr. Don as he was taken to his final resting place in the parish cemetery.

Fr. Don is remembered by his community as a private man who in his own quiet way put himself at the service of people and in a special way his own community.

A few months previous to his own death, Fr. Don had mourned the loss of a very dear friend, Fr. Don Boyle. They had studied together in Tokyo and served together in Japan, and had remained close friends, always spending time with each other when opportunity presented itself. As Fr. Don mourned the death of his friend, so we of the Scarboro community mourn the loss of “D.F”.

We offer our gratitude to the MacDonald family and promise to remember them in the Breaking of the Bread.

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