OBITUARY
MacDonald, Peter Jerome - Surrounded by his loving family members, Peter "Pete" MacDonald, 54,
of Fall River, died at peace on Monday, August 5,2013 in the palliative care unit of Capital
Health's Victoria General site, Halifax. One year ago, Pete bravely accepted a diagnosis of
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and set out to make his remaining days the best possible
ones. Most important, he wanted to make lasting memories with and for his family. While he was
strong, they made trips to Cape Breton, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and Florida, and Pete
visited his brother Vaughn and cousin Greg in BC. Family outings continued with Pete leading the
way in his power wheelchair around lakes, parks and trails to marvel in the great outdoors he so
loved. Pete courageously, with humour and always without self-pity, adapted to the many changes
ALS quickly brought his way. He and his family were grateful for Government of Nova Scotia
funding assistance for accessibility renovations, which enabled him to live at home as long as
possible, and for the outpouring of love and support from his family, friends and neighbours.
Together, they eased his journey. Peter knew he was in good hands with the expert care and
support provided by VON nurses Angela, Susan and Jill; the many practitioners at the Nova Scotia
Rehabilitation Centre's ALS Clinic; home-care workers that provided respite care; ALS Society of
Nova Scotia; and the Victoria General's palliative care nurses and staff. Rev. David Chapman's
visits at home and in the hospital helped ease his mind and boost his inner strength. Pete
worked for 25 years with the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation, where he had many friends
and long-time colleagues. Pete loved to curl, he played for many years competing at a provincial
level and continued to follow and enjoy watching curling long after he stopped playing. As an
avid golfer, he became a founding member of The Links At Penn Hills, Shubenacadie and played
every weekend he could for the past ten years. He introduced the sport to Justin, who will carry
on his father's love of the game. In June, the staff at Penn Hills, generously organized a
celebratory golf tournament and dinner for Pete and his family. About 135 golfers and others
attended, and the event tremendously bolstered Pete's spirits. Also in June, several family
members and friends participated in the Halifax and Ottawa Walks for ALS, raising more than
$8,000 for the ALS Society of Nova Scotia while cheering for Pete every step of the way. Pete is
survived by his wife, Karen (Williams) MacDonald, son, Justin, 15, and their faithful
four-legged companion, Tyco, Fall River; father, Francis "Bus" MacDonald, Oxford; and brother,
Vaughn (Kelly), Campbell River, BC. He was predeceased by his mother, Doris MacDonald, and
sister, Judy (MacDonald) Wood. Visitation will take place Wednesday, August 7, 2013 from 2-4
p.m. at MacDiarmid's Funeral Home, 5075 Main Street, Oxford (447-2930). A celebration of Pete's
life will be held at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 3534 Highway #2, Fall River, on Thursday August
8, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. with reception to follow. Donations in memory of Pete may be made to the
ALS Society of Nova Scotia, 900 Windmill Road, Suite 113, Dartmouth, B3B 1P7, or online at
www.alsns.ca. Private condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mmcfunerals.com
"Do you remember when, we used to sing ..... sha la la la la la la la lala la te da..."
http://www.mmcfunerals.com/fh/home/
The Halifax Chronicle Herald Newspaper, Tuesday, 6 August 2013
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