Sydney
It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of John Thomas MacDonald, regret to announce his passing on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born July 25, 1939, in Rock Elm, Cape Breton, John T. was the son of the late Duncan Alexander and Mary Ann (Thomas) MacDonald.
Known as ‘John T’, he was an avid bagpiper. He would never turn down a request to play at weddings, and funerals, often traveling around with the pipes in the trunk of his car, just in case there was an opportunity to share his music. John T. was always proud of having been a member of The Cape Breton Highlanders Pipe Band. He was one of the 100 Pipers at the opening of the Canso Causeway on August 13, 1955, attended by thousands of spectators. It was a thrill for him to attend the 50th anniversary and once again pipe across the Causeway.
John T. enjoyed sharing stories of his good old boxing days, but his true passion was harness racing where he loved horses as much as the game. He was involved for many years, training and driving his own horses. In more recent years, he loved to watch live stream races.
John T. married Diane Barrett on September 19, 1959, and the young couple started their adventure that lasted 62 years, until her death, September 6, 2022.
John T. is survived by four children, Darlene (Doug) MacDonald, Denise (Blair) King, Glen (Frances), and Pam (Len) Chisholm. Dad was blessed to have 10 grandchildren, Barrett (Stacy) MacDonald, Brendon (Chelsea) MacDonald, Melissa (Kevin) Dumontier, Michael Goodwin, Mitchell (Holly) Goodwin, Breanne (Paul) Confiant, Alicia (Tyler) Pyke, Cameron, Liam, and Ryan Chisholm; 13 great-grandchildren, Clark, Lucy, Clara, Jack, Brooks, Peyton, Leo, Louis, Launi, Benjamin, Wyatt, Nora, and Jacob; brother, Hugh (Charlene); sisters, Bernadette (Lucien) Gauthier, Helen (Chuck) Nelson, Margie Mullins, Elaine (Dave) Fischer, and Mary Clare (Peter) Langer; sisters-in-law, Mary Warner, Donna MacDonald, and brother-in-law, Ross (Valerie) Barrett.
Besides his wife and parents, John T. was predeceased by sisters, Stella, Joan MacLean, and Ann Marie Gillis; brothers, Colin, Joe, Cyril, and Gordon; in-laws, Victor and Mary Barrett, Ranni MacLean, Donald Barrett, Wayne and Karen Barrett, Dennis and Gloria Barrett, Bobby and Theresa Barrett, and Charlie Warner.
Thank you to the Homecare and hospital staff for the incredible care and kindness shown to John T. in his time of need. You made a tough time so much easier.
For immediate and extended family and close friends a memorial service to celebrate the life of John T. MacDonald will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church St.), Whitney Pier at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2026, in the All Faith Chapel with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment will take place in St. Theresa’s Cemetery, Grand Lake Road.
For those unable to attend, Live Streaming will be available on our website. Click Here: https://www.facebook.com/35925689617/live/
Donations in memory of John T may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Darlene, Denise, Glen and Pam. Sincere condolences on your Dad’s passing. He and I are first cousins. He was very “clanish” when it came to family. I used to see him at least once a year at his workplace. He would tear up when we talked about Grandma (North Shore) his Mother and my Mother. I do believe Mom was his Godmother. He played the pipes at her funeral. He was a fine gentleman. Blessings to you all.
From: Peggy Gillis
Dear Darlene, Doug and family,
We were very sorry to hear of the passing of Darlene’s dad. Deepest condolences to you and all your family. May your dad rest in the peace of our Lord.
God Bless, Prayers and hugs, Allan and Julia Townsend
From: Julia Townsend
Sending our Sympathy! In our thoughts and Prayers!
From: Paul and Heather MacDonald
Goodbye Uncle Johnny.
I wish I could have heard those pipes once more.
My condolences to the family, far and wide.
To all the Family I am so sorry to hear of the passing of John he was a wonderful friend along with of course Diane we had so many fun times together Donna always mentions how John would always get KFC when we would come to visit you guys Love ❤️ to you all He is with Diane now
We are so very sorry to hear about John T. He was a beautiful person and a fine gentleman. Always loved to see him at the garage and have a good chat. Of course the bagpipes were always a topic of conversation. The pipes are a lot louder in heaven. Condolences to you all. Rest in peace John T.
My condolences to your family. My parents were great friends of John’s family. My thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Take care,
John, Jacquline, Justin & Nicole
Dear Darlene,Doug,and all the MacDonald family on John’s passing may the fond memories you cherish help bring you comfort during this sad time hugs and prayers sent.
To: The MacDonald Family
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of John T. I have known John since our childhood when we shared a common backyard on Whitney Ave./St. Peters Rd. We have crossed paths many times since then. He was a fine gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May He Rest in Peace.
Goodbye Uncle Johnny.
Thank you for all of your support and love. 💕
My sincere condolences to all of Johns family, he’ll be missed for sure. May all the good memories help you through this time. Sorry I can not make the funeral because of other commitments. Our prayers are with you all. Love and Sympathy. Florence Thomas. & Allan Farrell
We are so very sorry to learn that John has passed away. Our sincerest condolences to his family and extended families. He was always a great friend and cousin to our family, we always enjoy our conversations with him.
Kevin and Karen Black
Sincere sympathy to Johnnie’s family and siblings , so sorry for your loss. His was certainly a life well lived, I’m sure he will be greatly missed! Thinking of you all at this time,Darlene, I hope to see you this summer!
Darlene,Denise,Glen and Pam. Your father was such a great person I know you all loved him so much. I remember him trying to teach me how to play the pipes. I didn’t have the talent that he had. ❤️ you all. Our sincere condolences to you all
Love Donna and Leo Van Kroonenburg
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I am so happy that I was able to visit with Uncle Johnny the last few times I took a trip to Sydney. I was always greeted with the warmest welcome, he was so gracious that I had come by the house. He would be sitting in the living room with the chanter in his hand always telling me a story, but my dearest memory of Uncle Johnny is him playing at Dad’s funeral.
Sincere condolences to Johnnie’s family and siblings. So sorry for your loss, his was a life well lived. Sad at losing another cousin and thinking of all the memories of times past, Jane and Jerry Yates
So sorry for your loss John was a great man. From Sydney Academy to CHER radio spent alot of time with each other. He will be missed.
Robert Hulford
ARRIVISTE jOHN