John William "Bill" Macdonald — Truro

Age 85, Truro, left us peacefully after a short illness to join the love of his life and best friend, on Friday, October 12, 2018, in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Springhill, he was a son of the late Peter Joseph and Agnes Emma (McManaman) MacDonald. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Lorraine Marie (MacDonald); baby brother, Tommy; brother, Douglas "Doug" MacDonald; sister, Mary (MacDonald) Taylor. Loved and remembered by his children, Alan (Lois), Jan (Bruce), Greg (Heather); grandchildren, Jessie (Amy), Stefanie (Phil), Daniel (Brittany), Josh, Alex, Janie (Lee), Alanna (Ankush); great-grandchildren, Isabel, Drake, Lucy, Ben, Kaleah, Taylynn, Violette; brother, Donald (Dawna) MacDonald; brother and sister-in-law, Bryan and Ellen Macaulay; many nieces, nephews and cousins. As a young man he joined the Canadian Army and served in the Korean War. When the war ended, Bill returned to Nova Scotia and like many "Springhillers" he went to work underground in the coal mines. After the mine disaster of 1958 he joined the RCAF where he spent his 25 years as a communications operator working in Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Ontario, Germany and ending his career in Nova Scotia. Being a music lover with a beautiful voice, as a young man he travelled in a men's singing group as well as over the years delighted friends and family with his songs at family get-togethers and parties. Bill loved sports and was an accomplished golfer acquiring a few hole-in-ones, an avid curler and with his team won the Provincial Senior Men's Championship in 1987. Along with fishing he loved to spend time in the woods hunting and had more than a few stories to tell. Through childhood, during his military career, living in Truro, summers in Pugwash and his winters in Florida, Bill made so many friends that he stayed in contact with over the years. Later in life he really enjoyed the card games and camaraderie with his buddies at the legion. He had a special relationship with Frank who was more like a brother than a brother-in-law and Frank came to stay with him through his short illness before his passing. He was known as Bill, Billy, Dad, Grampy, Grampy Bill, Uncle Billy and will always be remembered as a storyteller, a jokester, a dear friend and a special part of a loving family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young St., Truro, where members of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 26, Truro, will conduct a Legion Tribute Service 3 p.m., Wednesday, October 17, 2018, followed by the funeral service at 3:30 p.m., Father Dariusz Miskowicz officiating. Interment in Watson Cemetery, 1997 East Prince St., Truro. Reception will follow at 4:45 p.m. in Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 26, Truro, 42 Brunswick St., Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Bill's obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com