Obituary of Allan Leslie MacDonald

The death of Allan Leslie MacDonald occurred April 30th of 2005 at his home 153 Canterbury St. surrounded by his beloved wife, daughter, and brother-in-law. Born in Saint John, he was the son of William F. and Marion F. (Galbraith) MacDonald. He is survived by his wife Vivian (Matthews) MacDonald and his daughter Leslie and her husband Dr. Ryan King. He is also survived by his brother William E. (Irene) MacDonald and his sister Betty Jean (John) Reid of Calgary, one aunt Margaret Galbraith, two cousins Donald (Connie) Maxwell, and Nicolas MacDonald, four nieces, four nephews, and his favourite brother-in-law Robert Matthews. After graduation form Saint John High School he graduated from Teacher's College, received a BA and BEd, from UNB Fredricton and a Masters in Science in Education from the State University of New York. During his career he was teacher and vice principal of Beaconsfield School, principal of Havelock, Beaconsfield, and River Valley Junior High School, and retired in 1991. He was a member of the Retired Teachers Association and elected a Director of its Provincial Board. During his retirement he enjoyed working with READ Saint John, helping students acquire their G.E.D. Allan was a lifelong Presbyterian and a member of St. John & St. Stephen Presbyterian Church. He was a Sunday School teacher, Superintendent of Sunday School, and a member of the Stewardship Board. The congregation conferred the great honour of ordaining him an Elder in 1963. Later he was appointed Clerk of Session and served for 12 years. He also served for many years as a member on the Board of Directors of St. John & St. Stephen Church Home Inc. In sports he played badminton starting in 1942. In 1947 the championship years began. He held City and District, Provincial and Maritime titles until 1973. In 1967 and 1971, he and Alastair MacPherson represented New Brunswick at the first two Canada Winter Games in Quebec City and Saskatoon. He played his last tournament in 1991 and was runner up in men's doubles. He continued to play until December of 2004. Allan was a member and served on the Execution of the St. Andrew's Society and enjoyed Scottish culture especially Scottish Country dancing. Resting at Brenan's Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, with visiting on Monday from 7-9pm and Tuesday from 4-8pm. The funeral will be held at the St. John & St. Stephen Presbyterian Church on Wednesday May 4th, 2005 at 11:00am. The family wishes to thank the Oncology Department of the Saint John Regional Hospital, Dr. Burnell, and Dr. C. O'Brien. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of St. John & St. Stephen or the Oncology Department of the Saint John Regional Hospital.