Obituary of Gerald Fraser MacDonald

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Gerald Fraser MacDonald

 

Died at home, December 6, 2023.

 

Born August 5, 1946, he was the son of Philip and Isabel MacDonald. During his youth, he led an active, outdoor life in the coal mining community of Westville, NS. After he completed his schooling, he pursued a career in laboratory technology, ending his career at Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Middleton, NS, where he became Lab Manager.

 

His many interests included reading, cycling, and knitting, but foremost were gardening and running. He was an avid gardener, incorporating many innovations into the plots in his beloved corner of Hampton, NS. He read constantly and eclectically and volunteered for years at the regional library headquarters.

 

However, his most enduring passion was for running. Coming to it in mid-life, he quickly became a fixture on the marathon and ultramarathon circuit in Nova Scotia. Completing countless distance races, he competed in the Boston Marathon on many occasions. He was a much-cherished member of the Greyhounds and the Hurtin’ Buckos Running Clubs. He was also an inductee of the Bridgetown Sports Hall of Fame. He valued his friendships within the running community, always loyal and generous to his fellow runners, and greatly enjoyed hiking and camping with his Bucko mates.

 

Family was paramount for Gerry, always referring to the care he rendered his children and grandchildren as “child care” and never “babysitting”. It was never a chore for Gerry but more of a vocation as a father.

 

Gerry is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Sally, his children Justin (Meredith), Amy and Jesse, grandchildren Samuel, Elijah, Molly, and Ewan, and sister Gean.

 

Donations in Gerry’s name can be made to the Annapolis Valley Regional Library, www.valleylibrary.ca