It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Alexander Duncan MacDonald on Sunday, October 5, at the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home.

Alexander was born on April 29, 1940, to the late Angus and Catherine Ann (MacEachen) MacDonald of Mabou.

After his high school graduation from St. Joseph’s High School in Mabou, Alexander lived for a number of years in Toronto and in Halifax before returning to Cape Breton. He moved to the Heritage House in Port Hood where he lived for over 30 years. When the Heritage House closed, he moved to the Richmond Villa in St. Peter’s and then to the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home.

Alexander was truly a pleasant, gentle soul. He was very intelligent and observant. Although he was quiet and didn’t say much, he never missed a trick and always knew what was going on around him. He had a good sense of humor and always responded to a funny joke or story with a mischievous smile. He enjoyed a good home cooked meal, especially the dessert. Although he was following a diabetic diet, he never hesitated to slip a box of chocolates or a Mars bar (his favorite) into his shopping cart.

Alexander had an appreciation for art and had a talent for drawing and sketching. He enjoyed reading and was especially interested in Science, Philosophy, Electronics, and Woodworking. In his youth, he liked taking items apart, dabbling in Electronics, and working with his hands to create small projects. Alexander was genuinely interested in people, the Cape Breton culture, Celtic music, and Johnny Cash. Although he was a man of few words, his peaceful presence will be forever in our hearts.

Alexander is survived by his sisters, Betty Tracey, Port Hawkesbury and Mary Lehto, Hamilton; his brother-in-law, Jerome Tracey, Port Hawkesbury; his sisters-in-law, Shirley MacDonald, Mabou and Catherine MacDonald, Craigmore; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Alexander was predeceased by his parents, Angus and Catherine Ann MacDonald, and his brothers, Donald, Francis, Stanley Alexander, and John Stanley.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Richmond Villa and the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home for their support and kindness to Alexander. We would also like to extend a special thank you to the Heritage House staff for creating a warm, loving, and compassionate home for Alexander.

Cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. A funeral mass officiated by Father Andrew Gillies will be held at St. Mary’s Church in Mabou on Tuesday, October 14, at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will follow in the Mabou parish cemetery. A reception will be held in the Mabou parish hall following the burial.

Donations can be made in Alexander’s memory to a charity of your choice.

Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com