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PHILIP MacDONALD
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PHILIP MacDONALD

PHILIP LLOYD MacDONALD

PHILIP LLOYD MacDONALD obituary

PHILIP MacDONALD Obituary

(1943 – 2025) Philip "Phil" MacDonald, 81, of Toronto, ON, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in Sydney, NS, Phil spent joyful childhood summers in Port Hilford, NS, where he later built a beloved family cottage. He was a curious, thoughtful man with deep integrity, a dry sense of humor, and a lifelong love of learning. He shared his passion for books with his daughters during Saturday library visits and found joy in sailing and, later, flying after earning his pilot's license in retirement. Phil is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughters, Alison (James), Elizabeth, and Jane (Ken); grandchildren, Charlotte, James, Beamish, Alban, and Callum; and siblings, Nancy, Peter (Cathy), Max, and John. Phil served as student council president at Mount Allison University and built a distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He later worked with Veterans Affairs and helped lead a mission to Burma in 1996 to help recover the remains of an RCAF crew lost in WWII. He will be remembered for his steady presence, quiet wit, and generous spirit. A celebration of life will be held this summer in Port Hilford, NS. Donations in his name may be made to Parkinson Canada (www.parkinson.ca).

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Published by The Globe and Mail from May 3 to May 7, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for PHILIP MacDONALD

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Leslie Mavor

May 3, 2025

I was among Phil´s school classmates until February, 1958, when I left Sydney for Ontario on my father´s transfer with the bank. Phil and I enjoyed many times together, often in the company of Jimmy MacAulay, who lived just across the pond from him. We corresponded for years after I left Sydney, and the last time I remember seeing Phil, at his home on Queen St, he had saved, for me, a copy of the Academy Record, showing all the graduating class that included most of my classmates from Colby and Woodill. After that, I lost track of Phil, and have been "watching" for him over the years. We don´t soon forget friends we have grown with into our teens, as these are the relationships that largely influence who and what we are today. I´m pleased that Phil has had a full and diverse life, and regret that we lost the opportunity to share memories and experiences. Rest well, old friend.

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for PHILIP MacDONALD

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