Obituary of MacDonald, Charles "Stewart"

The death of Charles STEWART MacDonald occurred peacefully at Prince County Hospital, on Thursday March 17th, aged 85 years. Stewart was born in Glace Bay in 1936 to Stewart and Libby MacDonald. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Beryl MacDonald, in 2020, and an infant son. He is survived by his daughter, Valerie MacDonald, son-in-law, Lewis Hinks, grandson, Ian Hinks, and son, Paul MacDonald. Also survived by his sister, Eleanor Francis (Don), sisters-in-law Tecie and Gail, brothers-in-law Allister (Mae), Angus, Earl (Heather) and Johnny (Ruth), and numerous nieces and nephews. Stewart was very proud of his years serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force (1954-1987). During this time, was posted to various Canadian bases, as well as in France and Germany, and served with the UN peacekeeping mission in the Middle East in the 1970s. His service records comment on him being a "natural leader", "a prodigious worker", and "displaying imagination and initiative". Stewart's passion for organization manifested at home in his fondness for organizing and labelling household times. Even his trusty label-maker had a label. Stewart later worked as a corrections worker, and doing security work during the construction of the Confederation Bridge, and as a Commissionaire. In his younger years, he was a talented hockey goaltender who was known for his ferocity in defending the crease…which earned him the dubious honour of most penalty minutes. In later years, he was an enthusiastic supporter at hockey games for his grandson and other young family members. Stewart will also be remembered for his fierce hatred of dandelions and the Montreal Canadiens. Thank you to everyone who made it possible for Stewart to live in the home he built (with expert guidance and help from Richard Bulger) as long as possible: Dr. Paul Kelly; Dr. Christopher Dockx; staff from Prince County Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and the Halifax Infirmary; nursing staff from PEI Home Care; the excellent "Team Mac" crew (Tammy, Ernie, Lisa, Stefan, Lyndon, Dan R, Lyn, Lynn, Darren, and Liz) and especially Dan Heroux, who cheerfully coordinated everything, and who eased Stewart's recent transition to long-term care at Andrews of Summerside with his regular visits and deliveries of snacks. Stewart settled in comfortably at Andrews, and we thank the staff there too for their care for Stewart. Thanks as well to the paramedics from Island EMS who've provided care on numerous occasions. Cremation has taken place, and burial at Forest Haven Memorial Gardens in Cape Breton will happen at a later date. Donations in Stewart's memory can be made to The Red Cross' Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal or a charity of your choice. If you would like to send a condolence to his family, please click Online Condolence below or send an email directly to epfuneral@eastlink.ca