It is with deep sadness that the family of Francis “Coo” MacDonald, 81, of Craigmore, NS, announce that he passed away peacefully on September 11th, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 3rd, 1943, to the late Angus “Coo” and Catherine Ann (MacEachen) MacDonald of Mabou.

Francis was a proud husband to Catherine, his wife of 55 years, Dad to his three kids, and Grandad to his eight grandchildren. They spent many hours travelling to support the activities of their kids and grandkids; Francis and Catherine could always be found in the stands, bleachers and sitting in the theatre, so proud of their family’s accomplishments. Francis always had a calm presence and was not easily rattled, and had an innate ability to nap anywhere.

Francis was known for his dry sense of humour and relished a good prank, where he might - or might not - admit to his involvement in these antics. He was a true jack of all trades, both during his time at Stora Forest Industries and while operating Strait Fire Extinguishers. Even into his final days, he would still tell stories about the guys from the mill, and the laughs they had over their various forms of mischief. Francis was also a skilled craftsman, having built his own home in Craigmore and restored his childhood home in Mabou, as well as building beautiful woodworking projects for his family members. While his talents were well known, he was modest about his achievements, and we will miss our on-call handyman who could outwork us all.

Francis loved to travel with Catherine and his family; they particularly enjoyed travelling in their motorhome with close friends JR & Pauline MacDonald. He was often found “puttering” in his garage and boiling a feed of lobster to share with family and friends. Francis was also a born storyteller who could spin a Gaelic yarn or tall tale; he loved traditional fiddle music and a good game of auction, where he could be quite insufferable in both victory and defeat.

Francis is survived by his wife, Catherine (DeBaie), daughter, Anne MacDonald, Upper Tantallon, son, Michael MacDonald (Ashley), Lower Onslow, and daughter, Karen Staples (Mark), Dartmouth, and his grandchildren, Catherine, Connor & Elliot Gosney, Jack, Sadie & Mitch MacDonald, and
Alexander & Matilda Staples. He is survived by his brother, Alexander MacDonald, Port Hawkesbury, sister Betty Tracey (Jerome), Port Hawkesbury, and Mary Lehto, Hamilton; sister-in-law Shirley MacDonald, Mabou, brother-in-law Albert DeBaie, Mabou; close nephews Glen & Perry MacDonald, as well as many more loved nieces and nephews. Francis was predeceased by his parents, Angus and Katie Ann, brothers Stanley MacDonald I, Donald Mac Donald & Stanley MacDonald II, nephew Allan DeBaie, and grandson Walter Francis MacDonald.

The family would like to thank the wonderful and caring Palliative Care team at St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish, and in particular Dr. Lisa Gillis, who tended to Francis with dignity and consideration.

Visitation will be held at Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home in Port Hawkesbury from 2-4pm and 7-9pm on Monday, September 16th. Funeral mass will take place at St. Mary’s Church, Mabou on Tuesday, September 17th at 11am. Burial to follow in the Mabou parish cemetery. Reception to follow at the Mabou Parish Hall. Donations can be made in Francis’ memory to Canadian Cancer Society, The Kidney Foundation of Canada, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or a charity of your choosing. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com