Obituary of Philip Shaun MacDonald

It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of our families Superhero, Philip MacDonald 47 of New Glasgow NS, on May 14.  He passed away surrounded by many members of his loving family.

Known to most people as Phil, in his youth he was part of the New Glasgow Scouts, and he loved to play Basketball and Rugby throughout his high school years. He attended Kings Edgehill and then went to the Stellarton Nova Scotia Community College where he met the love of his life Melissa, who also is now a major source of our Family’s strength

Phil was a private man and would hold a lot close. Those who where lucky enough to know him, got to feel his warmth and endless humor. His ability to make us laugh will remain legendary. He loved a good dad joke but hated funerals because he wasn’t a mourning person (wink).

He found joy in his life in spending time with his family and sharing his favorite hobbies with them. His love of biking took his family on many adventures (even when his wife didn’t love it).  He loved the evenings he spent with Paul and Connor watching wresting and enjoying some wings and cherished sharing his love of basketball with Cameron and getting to see him play.

A lifelong techie, he enjoyed reading science fiction, working on computers with his nephews and keeping up on sports.  You could always count on him to come to a comedy show or concert. Phil was 100% a dog lover and almost always had a loyal companion, but he did have some room for those curious cats. He enjoyed family gatherings in River John, family vacations in PEI, family dinners at his moms and keeping things simple.

We could not be more proud of his strength, grace and humor as he battled to stay with us as long as he could. He showed us the way by leading his life with kindness and empathy and we will forever look to him as an example of the husband, father, brother and friend we aspire to be.

He is survived by his loving wife and partner of 27 years, Melissa Hiltz-MacDonald; sons, Connor and Cameron; his mother Pamela Corke (Mario Courchesne); brother, Paul Shaw (Nicole); stepmother, Carole Courchesne; sister-in-law, Kelly Heighton (Duane); brothers-in-law, Lincoln Hiltz (Suzanne) and Trevor Hiltz; nieces, Samantha Murray & Hailey Shaw; nephews, Chase, Cole, Caden Heighton and Dylan, Mason Hiltz. He will also be missed by his uncles and many cousins.

He was predeceased by his father John MacDonald.

In keeping with Phil’s wishes there will be a Celebration of Life, 3-6 p.m., Sunday, May 18 in the North End Recrecational Centre, New Glagow, where memories will be shared. 

In memory of Phil, Donations can be made to the Aberdeen Health Foundation Oncology Patient Fund or The Canadian Cancer Society.

The family would like to thank the Oncology team in Halifax and New Glasgow as well as the Doctors & Nurses in the Palliative Care unit of the Aberdeen Hospital. These dedicated, hard-working and compassionate people give so much so that families can make the most of the time with their loved ones.

Lovingy submitted by Family