It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John Herman MacDonald, formally of Point Tupper. "Uncle Jack" passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024, at the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home.

Jack was born on June 9, 1935, in Point Tupper to the late John Hugh and Cora Agnes (Langley) MacDonald.

Hard work and family were two big things he cherished greatly. Jack began work at a young age on the "Bridge Gang" with the CNR. After working at the railroad for several years he was hired on in the Material Handling Department at Stora Forest Industries in Point Tupper, from where he would retire in 1996. Jack was also immensely proud of his time spent with the fire brigade while at the Mill.

Jack had a very deep faith and was a life-long member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Port Hawkesbury, where he served as a hospitality minister/usher for many years.

As kids we would often walk the tracks to Port Hawkesbury with Uncle Jack to see the movies at the old Heather Theater on Granville Street. It was often a struggle to keep pace because no one could walk like Jack. Once at the theater there was usually a bevy of kids from "the point" for whom Jack would claim ownership and say to Tina at the window, "they're with me", when the movie was PG 13.

Jack also had two passions: Hockey/Baseball and cards.

He was a regular season ticket holder of the Strait Pirates and never missed a Leafs or Blue Jays game on TV. But it was forty-fives and auction where he smiled most. How he never broke knuckles on the table when taking a trick is a wonder. And he had the card luck to go with it. Wonderful memories.

He will be sorely missed by all who loved him.

Jack was predeceased by siblings, Catherine/Doss (MacMaster) and husband Paul McDermott of Chicago, Marie (MacDonald) and husband Pat Bolger of Point Tupper/Port Hastings, Colleen (MacDonald) and husband Hazen Holmes of Edmonton. Also predeceased by his beloved nephew John Bolger who Jack missed dearly.

Left to mourn, Patty (Mike) Garrity, Chicago; George, Cullen (Wendy) and Mike Bolger, Port Hawkesbury; Tim (Silvie) Bolger, Ottawa; Maureen (Danny) DeMone, Sugarcamp; Sandy, Donnie and Paul Holmes, Calgary; and Barbara (Rick) Holmes-Lydom, Edmonton; also many grand nieces, grand nephews and good friends.

Our deepest gratitude to the wonderful staff at the Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home who were so good and caring to Jack during his stay.

"Rest in Peace, knowing that you were loved beyond measure and that your memory will forever be a blessing to us all."

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday, August 25 in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Funeral mass will be 10 a.m. Monday, August 26 from St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Port Hawkesbury with Father Joby Augustin officiaiting. Burial in the parish cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Parish Cemetery Fund or to charity of one's choice. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com 

                                                                               Our little systems have their day:

                                                                                         They have their day and cease

                                                                               to be:

                                                                                         They are but broken lights of

                                                                               thee,

                                                                               And thou, O Lord, art more than they.

                                                                                                         -- Tennyson