Obituaries

 

Dennis Ray MacDonald

Passed 2/23/2026

Text:

Obituary For Dennis Ray MacDonald

DENNIS RAY MACDONALD

Passed away at Ocean View Manor on February 23 at the age of 90.

Born in Selkirk, Manitoba, to Katherine (Franz) and Malcolm MacDonald.

In his youth the family moved to Dartmouth where he attended Dartmouth High School. He entered the N.S. Apprenticeship Program, graduating as a Machinist; graduated from Dalhousie with a Bachelor of Engineering degree and from the N.S. Technical College as a Mechanical Engineer. He was a life member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia.

Early in his career he was employed at Seagrams (Ontario) and MacDonald Construction where he was Project Manager on a number of their construction contracts. Most of his career was spent with N.S. Department of Education, Vocational and Technical Training, retiring as Principal, Adult Vocational Training Centre,

After retirement many winters were spent golfing in Florida with Brightwood friends and travelling abroad. He was an excellent cook, spending many happy hours in the kitchen putting his unique touch on favourite recipes. His skills were on full display at weekly family suppers. His love of cribbage had him spending many hours in “spirited” play at the Austenville Owls Club where he was an Honorary Member.

His interest in sports involved being a member of the North Star Rowing Club; curling at the Dartmouth Curling Club; and golfing at Brightwood Golf and Country Club where he caddied in his youth. He served on the executive of the N.S. Golf Association in a number of positions and as President in 1985-86.

Left to mourn him are his wife Georgina (Burns) (Edmunds), daughter Shelley (Hugh) Reid, son Stephen (Katrina), stepchildren Tom (Cindy) Burns, Colleen Burns, Denise (Tony) Corra. Grandchildren: Shelby and Cassie Reid, Eliza and Lucy MacDonald, Tyler and Shaylen Burns, Elena Corra (Brendan Deyarmond); great grandchild, Luca Deyarmond; sisters in law Barbara Bagnell, Janet MacDonald.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife Verna (Robar), brother Tarrell, niece Susan MacDonald, nephew Terry MacDonald.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at Brightwood Golf and Country Club on Sunday May 3, at 2:00 p.m.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or a charity of your choice.

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Condolences

  • 03/10/2026

    Courtney

    I will miss seeing you both on your afternoon walks. Sending love to you and your family, Courtney

  • 03/07/2026

    Dawn Cullen

    Dear Georgie and family, Sending along our sincere condolences on the death of Dennis. Hopefully it will bring you some comfort to know that others are thinking of you at this sad time. Dawn & Larry Cullen

  • 03/05/2026

    Frank and Donna Hartigan

    Georgie , and Family, Sorry to hear of Dennis's passing .Our condolances . He was an icon at our Brightwood golf course .Member of our golf group ( Golden Horde ) for many years and always good for a conversation in the 19th .Prayers and thoughts are with you Frank and Donna

  • 03/05/2026

    Elizabeth Roscoe

    Dear Georgie and family, We had so many great times those winters in Hudson, Florida years ago and also at Brightwood. Playing golf with you and Dennis was always fun. I know these last few years have been difficult, but now he is at peace. Sincere condolences, Liz and Mike

  • 03/03/2026

    Red Everett

    To Georgina and family; Sincere sympathy. Great friend, a great competitor and so many good times. Red Everett

  • 03/03/2026

    Paul Bagnell

    I was Dennis' nephew, and will always remember how welcoming and friendly he was when we came from Toronto to visit in Dartmouth. A true gentleman. Our condolences to Georgie, Shelley, Stephen and other family members. - Paul Bagnell, Diana Cafazzo & Mark Bagnell

  • 03/02/2026

    Janet Tanner

    I am so sorry to hear of Dennis passing. We had so many good times years ago.He is now with his golfing buddies Joe Bob MacDonald Marty Gallagher to name a few. Thinking of you .Shelly,Steven and family.

  • 03/01/2026

    Thomas Hori

    I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Dennis. I met him at Brightwood Golf & Country Club as a member of the Sandbaggers group of golfers. I got to know him a little better as part of a group of golfers who went down to the valley every year to play golf and cribbage. He was one mean cribbage player who could count faster than I could. He may have been a golf Marshall with a stickler for rules but when he played he was pretty liberal on his drops 🤣. Thank you Georgie for all you did for him. I know it wasn't easy. I will treasure the good times and the laughs we had on the course and at the card table.

  • 03/01/2026

    Bill and Mary Greatorex

    Georgie, Steve and Family, We were very sorry to learn of Dennis's passing and wanted to know that our thoughts are with you. We valued the times we spent with Dennis at Brightwood, the Owls Club and a few winters in Florida. Bill and Mary

  • 02/28/2026

    Paula Montgomery

    To The MacDonald Family Dennis' brother, "Satch", his nickname, married my sister Janet. Thus I knew Dennis very well. Dennis, always a gentleman, had a great laugh and smile and so nice. And to boot, good looking. I remember when I was about eleven or so and he was perhaps nineteen, that he drove my mother, Helen Cameron, his mother Kate, me and my sister Anne to Quebec to visit Satch and Janet..as Satch was stationed in Marville. And I got to sit next to Dennis in the front seat, with his Mom next to the door. A three seater at that time. I was so excited. Just a memory that makes me smile. Thinking of all his family at this time. Paula Montgomery, nee Cameron.

  • 02/27/2026

    Dave Bagnell

    Dear Shelley, Stephen and families. Reading the announcement here brings back memories. I remember his love of golf, and if I remember correctly, he was a "marshal" on the course at Brightwood for some tournaments??....and I had forgotten about Dennis' passion and gift for cooking. I am thinking of you.

  • 02/27/2026

    Peter Bugden

    Was saddened to hear the news of Dennis's passing. I enjoyed time with with Dennis at both Brightwood and the Austenville Owl's Club over the past 20 years. He was a friend to many and a great personality. I will miss him. Peter Bugden

  • 02/27/2026

    Ruth Maloney

    I enjoyed every visit and every moment I spent with both Aunt Georgie and Uncle Dennis during their visits to Cape Breton! Uncle Dennis will be truly missed by his Cape Breton family! - Ruth Maloney

  • 02/26/2026

    Janice Mason

    I met Dennis on my first visit to Brightwood many years ago. In those days, he was a master of the rules of golf. He loved the game and enjoyed the friendships that he made. My sincere sympathies to Georgie, Shelley, Stephen and of course, his extended family. Your devotion to his care in the last few years made his journey easier. Take care of yourselves. Janice Mason

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