Obituary of J. Bruce MacDonald

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of J. Bruce MacDonald, husband of the late Florence (Reed) MacDonald (April 15, 2012). Bruce passed away peacefully on Friday, July 5, 2013 at St. Joseph’s Hospital after a brief illness. He was born in Cambridge (Galt) ON on April 20, 1926, son of the late A. Fred and Sarah (Campbell) MacDonald of Cambridge, ON.He served during the Second World War as a guard in a prisoner of war camp #135 in Wainwright, Alberta as he was too young to be deployed overseas. Bruce worked for Bell Canada for more than twenty years as well as the Grand River Conservation Authority in Cambridge, ON. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge (Preston) as well as being involved with Knox Presbyterian Church in Preston (Cambridge) as an elder and choir member for many years.Bruce and Florence moved to Saint John in October 1999 to be near their only child and his family. He kept in touch with former friends by computer. Bruce enjoyed being a volunteer greeter for Cruise Saint John for 7 years. Bruce and Florence had travelled many places around the world and enjoyed spending wonderful winters in Portugal. He was a great craftsman and had built his own home in Cambridge and also his first boat, a 21’ Cabin Cruiser, where they spent many summers on Georgian Bay. Bruce truly was a people person, a great cook, entertainer and loved family times together. He often said he "Had a great life". Bruce was also a wonderful caregiver to his wife Florence in her later years of declining health.Bruce is survived by his son, Reed (Joan) MacDonald and their children, Brad LeBlanc (Ashley) and Lindsay Gould (Neil) and great-grandchildren, Hannah, Sarah, Emma and another one on the way. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sheila MacDonald of Victoria, BC; niece, Joan (Fred) Duckloe of Stroudsburg, PA; nephew, Bruce (Jane) of Brentwood, TN; niece, Janice MacDonald of Alpharetta, GA and several nieces, nephews and cousins in the USA and cousins in Canada. He was predeceased by his brother, William, sister, Marion (8 years of age) and nephew and godson, David MacDonald.A very special thank you to Dr. Sheehan and staff of the 6th floor at St. Joseph’s Hospital for their utmost compassion and care given to Bruce while a patient there. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Thank you and God bless you all. The FamilyAs per Bruce’s wishes cremation will take place and there will be no formal visitation. A Funeral Service for Bruce along with his late wife, Florence will be held at Grace Presbyterian Church, 101 Coburg St. Saint John on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at 11:00 am followed by a reception in the church hall. Burial will take place in Cambridge, ON at a later date. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424). For those who wish remembrances to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Romero House.