Obituary of Wayne Richard MacDonald

Wayne Richard MacDonald, 78, of Granville Centre died peacefully on April 3, 2025 at the Annapolis Community Health Centre.  Wayne was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, the son of John “Buck” and Marion (Barrington) MacDonald.  Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Lesley (Porter) MacDonald, his sons: Chad Richard (Robin Held), New York City, and their son Liam Henry; and John Arthur (Tina Laturnas and her daughter Elizabeth), Regina, and his stepdaughter Darcy Sampson (Logan Fletcher), South Alton.

He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Shirley Porter, Lawrencetown; sisters-in-law: Jackie MacDonald, Ottawa, Judy MacDonald, Sydney, Lena LeBlanc (Gerald Bourgeois), Halifax, and Nancy Illsley (Richard), North Williamston, and his brothers-in-law: George Porter (Karen), Lawrencetown and Blair Porter (Cathy), Kingston, NH; nieces and nephews, Ian MacDonald (Melanie), Ottawa, Ronnie MacDonald (Jenny), Prince Rupert, Amber MacDonald (Brent), Sydney, Bruce (Olivia) LeBlanc, Tantallon, James (Darlene) LeBlanc, Guelph, Morgan Chenier (Alec), North Williamston, Alex (Chelsea) Illsley, Lawrencetown, Patrick (Meghan) Illsley, Bridgetown, Jordan Porter, Portland, ME, and Caitlin (Sean) Kates, Portsmouth, NH, numerous great nieces and nephews.  Wayne had a special bond with cousins Ralph Gillis (Jane), Hingham, MA and Jacqueline Corbett MacLean (Gerard), Sydney.  Wayne also leaves behind his treasured friends and dedicated visitors:  Glenn Dunn; Mike LeBlanc; and Len MacDonald.

Wayne is also survived by his step-sisters:  Cindy Latham, Sydney; Lynn Hudson, Georgia; Karen MacDonald (Spencer), Halifax; and Kelli Lee, Sydney.

Wayne was predeceased by his first wife and mother of his sons, Helen Lorraine (Surette) MacDonald, his brothers, John Robert MacDonald (Ottawa) and Alex Ferguson MacDonald (Sydney), his nephew, Robert Alexander MacDonald (Annapolis County) and step-mother, Minnie MacDonald, Sydney.

Wayne was very proud of being an “Ashby boy” and talked fondly of growing up in Sydney but Granville Centre was his home.

Wayne was a life longer learner and a graduate of Saint Francis Xavier University (B.Sc.), University of New Brunswick (B.Ed.), Florida State University (M.S. Master in Science Education), and Saint Mary’s University (MBA).

Wayne was a teacher at J. R. Smallwood Collegiate, an administrator with the Green Bay Integrated School Board in Newfoundland, a principal with the Annapolis District School Board, and retired from the position of Director of Human Resources with the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board. 

Wayne was involved with coaching minor hockey in Labrador City and Springdale.

Wayne was very proud of his volunteer work and in 2019, received the NS Volunteer Recognition Award for Annapolis County.  Wayne held executive positions with the Annapolis West Health Foundation, Branch 21 of the Royal Canadian Legion, Order of Good Cheer, Wharf Rat Rally, Trans County Transportation Society Board, and Granville Centre Community Hall Association.  He also participated on the Friends of the Annapolis Community Health Centre: Steering Committee, Fundy YMCA Program Advisory Committee, Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens Board, Annapolis Region Community Arts Council Board, and the Jordantown Acaciaville Conway Betterment Association Board. 

Wayne was devoted to his family. He thoroughly enjoyed hearing about their accomplishments and loved being a proud “Papa” to Liam.  He enjoyed entertaining family and friends at home, as well as travelling. His last big trip was an adventure to England and Scotland tracing family roots.  He also enjoyed day trips with Lesley, as driving and cars were one of his passions.

Wayne was generous. He gave back to his community through volunteering and was a caring neighbour.  He was a loyal friend who developed deep and long-lasting friendships.  As a teacher, he valued his students and was proud to remain connected. 

Wayne was an inspiration throughout his long battle with cancer, especially during the last thirteen months.  He continued to smile and remain positive. Wayne was always interested in fitness and was determined to continue to be as active as he could during this time.  

 Wayne will be missed greatly by his family and friends.  He leaves a void that will be impossible to fill.  We will do our best to make him proud and carry on as he would wish. 

The family truly appreciate and value the exceptional, ongoing support and caring demonstrated by our community and friends. 

We are thankful beyond words for the care that Wayne received from the palliative care team; staff at the Annapolis West Community Health Centre, notably nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and cafeteria; VON; homecare.  We are especially grateful to Dr. Ken Buccholz, Tracey Ilsley and Patricia Chow, for their devoted care, Karen Ashcroft and Jacqueline Brown. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Wayne’s memory may be sent to the Annapolis West Health Foundation or The Lodge that Gives.  There will be a visitation on Friday, April 11, 2025 at Kaulbach Family Funeral Home, Annapolis Royal from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. with a Legion Tribute at 7:00 p.m.  Funeral mass will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025 at St. Louis Catholic Church, Annapolis Royal.