Leonard "Lenny" Vincent MacDonald

With broken hearts, we sadly announce the death of our dad, daddio, daddy bear, Leonard Vincent MacDonald, aka “Lefty”, 63, who passed away at the Northside General Hospital, 4 West, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, after fighting a battle with cancer.  He is a true warrior who fought right to the last second.

Born in Sydney Mines on October 7, 1961, Lenny was the son of the late Bernard and Rita Mae (MacLean) MacDonald.

Lenny lived most of his life in Sydney Mines. He was a regular “Mr. Handyman” - always fixing things.  He especially enjoyed fixing cars.  You could always see him with a smile on his face as he greeted you with a joke.  He always thought laughter was the best medicine – music was second.  You could always here Lenny singing away, especially to some old country favorites from Merle Haggard, George Jones, Charlie Pride and Waylen Jennings.  If it was karaoke night, you would see Lenny singing, dancing and tapping those cowboy boots away.

After having a young family of his own, he relocated his family to a small town in Thorold South, Ontario.  While there, Lenny enjoyed some hobbies such as going to bingo and playing pool/pool tournaments in Niagara Falls. He especially enjoyed fishing with his kids, and having some great laughs, as the fishing lines would get tangled up or a hook would get caught in the butt cheek.

Lenny truly loved being by the water, and years later he relocated his family back home to Cape Breton – surrounded by water and beautiful beaches.  He was employed at the fish plant in Neil’s Harbour and on the fishing boats.  He enjoyed driving taxi around the northside, as he was a friend to everyone he met, and enjoyed making others smile and engaging them in conversation.

Lenny is survived by his children Marie Campbell, Lisa (David) Wylde, Ashley Whitty and Stacey Whitty; his grandchildren, who he always enjoyed spending time with and aggravating them.  Also left to mourn are his sisters Vangie and Laura, his brother Robert and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Besides his parents, Lenny was predeceased by his son Stephen Whitty, his sisters Marlene and Carolyn, his brothers Ronnie, John, Eric, Clarence and Brian, extended family and many friends.

We would like to thank the nurses at the Northside General Hospital, 4 West, as you all made our dad’s/Daddio’s last weeks of life more comfortable.  You all went above and beyond, and we cannot thank you enough.  You are all angels on earth.  Biggest hugs!  Also, to his palliative care nurse, Julia – he loved you the moment he met you.  You made him laugh, and his heart smile.  We are forever thankful.  Also, another shout-out to an amazing paramedic, Karen Clarke, who’s kindness given will come back around.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Visitation for Lenny will be from 1-3 pm, Monday, October 6, 2025, in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.  A funeral service will follow in the Funeral Home Chapel, with Deacon David Lewis officiating.  Online condolences can be left for the family on the tribute wall of the obituary.

“As I rubbed your forehead, we held your hand and I said “go”, “be free of all your pain.  It’s okay to let go”.  Dolly Parton’s “I will always love you” playing in the background.  And Daddio – we will always love you too.  Forever miss our dad, my ‘bunk buddy’. See you at every sunrise.  We will travel from beach to beach and leave your mark.  No more pain.  Sing and dance in paradise!  Make some thunder! We love you always and forever.

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