Boisdale
December 24, 1954 – November 21, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the death of Francis MacDonald on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Northside General Hospital, North Sydney.
Francis is survived by his wife, Karen (Head); daughter, Danielle (Scott Sawlor); sons, Christopher, and Ryan; grandchildren, Sam, Quinn, Eli, Oliver, and brothers, Peter (Patricia), and Danny (Dany Martin). Francis was also survived by Karen’s family who loved him as their brother, and also many nieces and nephews.
Francis is predeceased by his parents, Hilda and Hector MacDonald; brother, Alec (Valerie); sisters, Mary Margaret (the late John Gillis), Anne Louise (the late Alan Leith), and nephew, John John Gillis.
Francis was an avid Montreal Canadiens, and Blue Jays fan whom he followed faithfully! He had a good sense of humour and made friends quickly and easily. He was a great dart shooter and enjoyed playing baseball over the years. He also loved to fish. Francis worked as a locomotive engineer until his retirement.
Though he leaves a space that can never be filled, the very best parts of ‘Cinq’ live on in his children. Danielle inherited his gift for turning strangers into friends. Chris, like his father, can rock a moustache and Ryan’s laugh, so like his father’s, has the power to stop you in your tracks.
The family would like to thank Dr. Saliba and the whole team at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre for your generosity, support and care for Francis and also the staff of Northside General Hospital, you were all so wonderful to Francis and us, his family. Special thanks to Dr. Eugene Ignacio for your care and guidance.
There will be no visitation for the late Francis MacDonald. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating.
Donations in memory of Francis may be made to a food bank in your community.
In life, we loved you dearly, In death, we love you still.
In our hearts you hold a place, no one else will ever fill
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
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Peter , sorry to hear of Francis passing its never easy when you come from a close family.
Have peace knowing he is once again with the MacDonald clan .
Condolences go to you Danny and your families and Karren and Cinq’s children
Karen and family,I am so sorry to read of your loss! Thinking of you all as you go through these dark days!
Cinq was my friend and brother. We spent many memorable occasions together. Francis was a true and trustworthy friend. Cinq always made the most of what life had to offer. I’ll miss you brother and I will never forget you and the treasured times we shared.
My condolences to Cing’s family on your loss.
Karen and family,
We are very sorry for your loss.
Bert and Maurina Lewis
Karen,Ryan,Danielle Chris and all the Macdonald family we are deeply saddened by the the passing of Cinq who was like another brother in our family.I will always be grateful to Cinq for the kindness to Chad and I during a difficult time in our lives it will not be forgotten.My thoughts and prayers are with u all now and in the coming days God Bless
Karen and family,
Deepest condolences to all who knew and loved Frances.
Karen,Ryan,Danielle Chris and all the Macdonald family we are deeply saddened by the the passing of Cinq who was like another brother in our family.I will always be grateful to Cinq for the kindness to Chad and I during a difficult time in our lives it will not be forgotten.My thoughts and prayers are with u all now and in the coming days God Bless
Karen and all the family so sorry for the loss of Cinq he will be deeply missed by all he was such a fun and loving man big hugs to all
all our love John and Sandra
Condolences to Cinq’s family and good bye to an old friend. Rest in peace Cinq.