Obituary of Dr. Glen Macdonald
Glen's family are saddened to announce his passing just three days after his 99th birthday, which he celebrated in fine form with his family, both in person and virtually.
Roderic Glencross Macdonald was born in Halifax on February 26th, 1922; he was the son of Roderick Churchill Macdonald and Barbara (Stackhouse) Macdonald. He spent his childhood years in Moncton, NB and graduated from Moncton High School in 1939. After completing pre-medical studies at Mount Allison University, Glen received his medical degree from Dalhousie University in 1945. He practiced Family Medicine in Saint John NB from 1946-1949 and subsequently completed a Paediatrics specialty at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. He returned to Saint John in 1951 where he practiced Paediatrics until his retirement in 1989. From 1970-1988, Glen was Chief of Paediatrics at the Saint John Regional Hospital and Associate Professor of Paediatrics for Dalhousie University. He also served on numerous boards and committees including the Saint John Board of Health; the Saint John Medical Society; N.B. Medical Society; Saint John Tuberculosis Hospital; D.V.A. Hospital; Charlotte County Hospital; and the Canadian Paediatrics Society, where he was President from 1978-1979. During WWII, Glen served in the Canadian Army and in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Surgeon Lt. After the war he served in the Reserves as a Surgeon Lt. Commander.
Glen was predeceased by his wife Lois (Rising), after many wonderful years of marriage. Lois and Glen spent many winters in Florida and over the years enjoyed travelling with friends, especially to Bermuda. He was also predeceased by his sister Barbara Likely. He is survived by his brother David Macdonald of Riverview; daughters Jane Stewart (Jim) of Rothesay and Cindy Dobbelsteyn (David) of Halifax; sons Alan Macdonald (Linda) of Rothesay and Dr. Robert Macdonald (Monica) of Spartanburg SC; grandchildren Mahri Machado (Danny), Maggie Stewart, Cameron Stewart (Michelle Knorr), Ryan Macdonald (Erin), Lindsay Stewart (Minho Son), Erin Dobbelsteyn (Josh Tuttle) and Greg Dobbelsteyn (Jacquie McNulty); as well as five great grandchildren. Glen also leaves behind his companion over the last number of years, Phyllis Sutherland .
Glen’s involvement in the community included the United Way; Canada Games and Aquatic Centre Committees; Probus Club; and the NB Protestant Orphan’s Home and Foundation, where he served as President. He was a longstanding member of Saint Paul’s (Valley) Church in Saint John and later Saint Paul’s Church in Rothesay. In earlier years, Glen had a passion for both duck hunting and salmon fishing, and enjoyed the camaraderie associated with those activities. He curled for many years at Thistle Curling Club, and was a longstanding member of Riverside Golf and Country Club. An avid golfer, he continued to play 18-hole rounds at 97 years of age. Glen loved to play cards – he played poker with his buddies at Parr Town; cribbage with family and friends and bridge until COVID restrictions prevented such gatherings.
The family thanks the wonderful men and women who helped us with caring for Dad over the past weeks.
Arrangements are under the care of Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424). Due to public health restrictions, there will be no visitation or funeral at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Glen’s memory to Bobby's Hospice, the Alzheimer’s Society, St. Paul's Church, Rothesay, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.BrenansFH.com
