David Alexander MacDonald

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of our father, David (Dave) Alexander MacDonald, of Big Bras D’Or. He passed away peacefully at the age of 85, surrounded by his family, and after finally using up the last of his nine lives.

Well known around all of Cape Breton to multiple generations, Dad was officially a ‘Character’ amongst a forest of characters. He was admired for his sharp wit, his knack for orchestrating complex pranks that could last years, his expertise in mechanical design, and his unwavering devotion to his friends and family. He was an avid reader, loved history and was a proud Cape Bretoner. His passion for the protection of our island led to his years of advocacy in the local environmental movement.

Dad was born in Sydney Mines, on the 3rd of September 1940, to Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, and Theresa (MacIntosh) MacDonald, the fourth of five children. Raised in Millville, he learned that he hated farming, but loved shooting, hunting, and driving fast. Possessed with a talent for design and creativity, he built one of the first snow planes in Cape Breton when he was in his early twenties. Unfulfilled after reaching over 100 mph in their snowy back field, he wanted to take it onto the frozen Bras D’Or lake to push its limits but never got the opportunity—likely saving his life.

Dad escaped his mother’s intention for him to become a priest by enrolling in trade school at age 15, thus beginning a sixty-year career as a Master Sheet Metal Mechanic. Following his education, he started as an apprentice first at the Marine Railway, then for Bill Metcalfe at his shop, Metcalfe Metals in North Sydney. Dad then moved onto Power Brothers, where he was a Foreman for over twelve years. In 1970 he married our mother, Mary Germaine (MacIsaac) of Sydney Mines, and raised four children.  In 1985, he opened his own shop behind our home, Gulf Marine Sheet Metal Ltd. For the next thirty years he specialized in producing, primarily, custom stainless-steel products, focusing mostly on marine equipment; Marine Atlantic being his main customer. Dad was forced to retire at age 75 when he had his first stroke.

Over the next ten years, he learned that retirement wasn’t so bad. With his partner in crime and closest friend, Gordon Haggett, they fished, haunted coffee shops, and enjoyed themselves. Dad couldn’t help but open up the shop occasionally to help Gordy out with a project. He looked forward to visits from his children and grandchildren, and we enjoyed listening to Dad’s storytelling; there was a wealth of material from his years of adventures with friends.

Dave was pre-deceased by his mother and father, our mother Germaine, his sister Mary (Whitty) and brother Archie. Dad was also pre-deceased by most of his oldest and closest friends.  He is survived by his sister Bernice (Ferguson), his younger brother, Ronald; children - Robert (Maria), Ian (Michelle), Jean, and Joanne; four grandchildren - John, Breannan, Shannon and Veda, all of whom he was immensely proud.

Our family extends our heartfelt gratitude to his nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends, for their love and support. In particular, the nurses and practical care workers at the Northside General Hospital, who looked after Dad the eight months he was there. He made quite the impression on them, like he did to all who knew and loved him.

If you wish to make any donations to a cause, they may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Sea Shepherd Society. Dad was after all, a pirate at heart.

Visitation for Dave will be held from 4 – 5:30 pm, Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.  A funeral service will follow at 5:30, with Deacon Dave Lewis officiating.  Online condolences can be left for the family on the tribute wall of the obituary. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Alexander MacDonald, please visit our floral store.