Rev. Anthony MacDonald

It is with sorrowing hearts that we announce the death of Father Angus Anthony Joseph MacDonald of Malignant Cove, Antigonish Co., NS. Fr. Anthony “Tony” died suddenly on January 4, 2011 at his “estate” at the Cove while making preparations for his annual trip to Florida. Fr. Anthony was born December 26, 1939, son of the late Dougald and Jean (MacDonald) MacDonald.

 He attended St. Andrew Rural High and graduated from St.FX University in 1960 with a B.A. degree. (He thoroughly enjoyed being with his classmates at the 50^th anniversary of his graduation in October.) He trained for the priesthood at Holy Heart Seminary in Halifax and was ordained on May 23, 1964 in St. Ninian’s Cathedral by Most Rev.William Power. That same year he was appointed assistant at the following parishes: St. Mary’s, East Bay; St. Mary’s, Mabou; and St. Peter’s, Ingonish . From 1965-1969 he was on loan to the Archdiocese of Quebec where he taught at St. Lawrence College, Quebec City. Fr. Anthony also served at Sacred Heart, Sydney; St. Joseph’s, Bras d’Or and St. John’s, New Glasgow. He was parish priest at St. Joseph’s, Port Felix and mission; Our Lady of Fatima, Sydney River; St. Michael’s, New Waterford; St. Pius X, Sydney Mines; St. Peter’s, Port Hood; St. Michael’s, Baddeck and Queen of the World, Wagmatcook.

 During his priesthood, Fr. Anthony studied at the University of Ottawa receiving a Master of Education. He served as an Advocate on the Antigonish/Halifax Marriage Tribunal, was on the Personnel Board for the Diocease, Ministry to Priests program and the Cursillo Movement. He retired in 2005, but continued to serve wherever and whenever he was called. He loved his fellow man and they loved him, with his sense of humour and optimism.

 Father Anthony will be deeply mourned and sadly missed by his brother Rickey, sister-in-law Peggy and their children Susan, Mark (Suzanne), Jane (Gerry), Luke (Andrea), Sara (Scott), Laura (Dan) and their families, as well as his sister, Margie and her daughters Janice (Ben), Leanne (Darryl),  Nancy (Mark) and their families, seventeen grandnieces and grandnephews in all. Fr. Anthony enjoyed many fun times with all his young relatives at dinners, barbeques, fishing trips, the beach, and the dam, especially in the summer at the cottage.

 He was a gentle and caring priest who listened well and comforted many.

 Visitation will be held 2:30-4:30 and 7:00-9:00 PM, Tuesday, January 11 and 2:00-4:00 PM Wednesday, Januaray 12 at MacIsaac Funeral Home, Pleasant Street, Antigonish. Bible vigil will be held at 7:00 PM Wednesday at St. Ninian’s Cathedral. The funeral mass will be held at St. Ninian’s Cathedral in Antigonish 2:00 PM Thursday, January 13,  presided over by Most Rev. Brian Dunn. Family flowers only, please. Memorial donations may be made to the Antigonish Food Bank or St. Vincent de Paul.