Obituary of Don MacLeod

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Don (Donnie) MacLeod on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 in Moncton, NB. My life was interesting along with much enjoyment. My "exit" in a word – priceless. Surrounded by close family in ideal surroundings. Now folks I am in my lovely urn, eventually I'll land in the Murray Harbour, PEI Cemetery. I lived life on my own terms, to quote the Sinatra song lyrics -"I did it my way". That dreadful cancer got me in the end. Born and raised in the Shipyard section of Sydney, N.S. A six month old baby I was placed in the care of the dearly departed Colin & Ann (Tutty) MacLeod. June 1948 I was officially adopted. Shipyarders of that era will remember our family as the owners of MacLeod's Dairy, corner Argyle St. & Gritton Ave. Older siblings late Bill MacLeod, Kingston, Ont., late Vivian (Walter) Kolanko, Sydney, N.S. bestowed me generations of nieces and nephews. MacLeod relatives played a prominent role throughout my entire existence. Special mention to N.B. cousins: Barbara Wood, Magnetic Hill, Dollie Wood Brooks (Dave) Riverview, Joyce Wood Breen (Mike), Saint John. Also the next N.B. generation: Alec, Katie, Connor, Megan. MacLeod first cousins include: Donald, Jane, late Billy, Arnold, Hugh, David, Ruth, George. Following a brief stint living with my sister's family in Ashby in 1960 I relocated into Sydney's Downtown core where for three years I resided with the late Godfrey & Alfreda Burke. A lifelong bond evolved. Predeceased by "brothers" George & Leo, "sister" Leona MacLean (Michael) Sydney, Godson Michael MacLean Jr. Survivors include: Surrogate "sisters": Janet Ryan (Rick) Sydney, Glenda Wainwright (Tom) Ottawa, Elaine Gabriel, Dartmouth. Numerous "Nieces" and "Nephews". I was extremely proud to be called "Uncle" Donnie by the younger Burke ancestors. Graduating from Sydney Academy in 1962 I departed Sydney early 1963 to begin my RCAF career. It was a short lived military experience. August 1965 greater Moncton became home base where at Reed Wholesalers I started what would turn into a 42 year employment with GE Barbour. An historic Maritime family food manufacturer established in 1867. Retirement took place in November 2007. October 1980 my world changed – forever! I made contact with my birth mother. Formerly Jean Bell of Murray Harbour, PEI. We had over thirty-seven wonderful years as mother and son. I lost her in April 2018. Meeting mom I acquired half brothers. Nick Watts (Sue) East Hartford, CT., David Watts (Allyson) North Carolina. Niece Colleen Watts, Las Vegas. Uncles, aunts, cousins from mother's Bell/Davey kinfolk were a lovely addition to my life. First cousin Margaret Bell became an especially close relative. A shout out to decades long friends Eva, Erika, Brian, Lynn V., Courtney, Annette, Terry. Andrew Gold's 1970s song expresses it best - "Thank You For Being a Friend". Also wish to express my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Alan Munroe. Pastimes: Aerobic walking, music, movies, jigsaw & crossword puzzles, Scrabble watching sports, visiting family/friends, the Moncton Press Club. July 1968 Courtney introduced me to harness racing, thus began a forever passion. 2012 a new hobby of book writing was underway. Eventually I completed nine. Best known for: " Growing Up In Sydney". I suppose my books will become my legacy. Certainly I had faults, nonetheless I tried to be a decent person who displayed compassion, loyalty, honesty, kindness, charity, generosity, trust, among other traits. A few fond memories: Freda's fish cakes and chocolate cake. Leona teaching me to play Cribbage. Kitchen chats at Barbara's munching on her homemade bread with King Cole tea. Watching 15 year old Bobby Orr play junior hockey. Spring 1967, an NHL Stanley Cup Final contest at the Montreal Forum, Toronto won the Stanley Cup. Flying to Charlottetown in 1968 on the DeWare's charter flight to attend my first Gold Cup & Saucer race. 1969 Grey Cup CFL football weekend in Montreal. What a blast! Seeing Terry Fox on the highway outside the city – my hero!! AHL games with cousin Joyce. Magnetic Hill Rolling Stones concert with cousin Dollie. I could go on and on. Time to conclude this obituary with a few words to ponder over: "things you do for yourself are gone when you go – things you do for others continue as part of your memory." Anyone wishing to make donations in my name please consider "Friends of the Moncton Hospital" or a charity of your choice. Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to www.tuttlefuneralhome.ca A celebration of my life will be held at the Moncton Press Club, 160 Assomption Blvd. Moncton on Sunday, December 19, 2021 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm Arrangements entrusted to Tuttle Brothers Riverview Funeral Home & Crematorium, Riverview (506)857-8564 COVID RESTRICTIONS. FACE MASKS, SOCIAL SOCIAL DISTANCING AND DUAL VACCINATIONS ARE REQUIRED. Visitation Information Sunday, December 19, 2021 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm Celebration of Life Moncton Press Club, 160 Assomption Blvd. Moncton, NB Burial Information Murray Harbour Cemetery PEI at a later date Requested Charity Friends of the Moncton Hospital Foundation. or to a charity of the donor's choice