Louisbourg
The family of Allister MacDonald regret to announce his passing on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born in Louisbourg, Cape Breton in 1947 to John “Jake” and Joanna (Kehoe) MacDonald. He was one of 10 children.
From an early age, Allister was drawn to the sea and he traveled all over the world. His knowledge and history of all things nautical could not compare to anything written in any book. He was a masterful storyteller and could captivate you with his travels and experiences he had encountered in the places he had been. He spent many years as the shipkeeper of the Acadia at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic before he returned home to his beloved Louisbourg.
His love for his flags and all animals was unmeasurable and the flagpole in town was adorned with flags representing every vessel that entered the Harbour.
He was brilliant, he was kind, he was loved and he will be missed by his sisters, Kathleen (Pius), Betty; brother, Michael (Marilyn); his sisters-in-law, Alma, Julie; many nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Jimmy Norman, John Samuel; sisters, Isabel, Jackie, Mora, and Charlotte. A funeral service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to Louisbourg Legion Branch 62, Louisbourg.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
“Get ready boys, he’s on his way”
Online Condolences
l
Allister’s passage is a big occasion of sadness for me after a so long term frienship started on a ship some 53 years ago, at that time I was radiotelegraphist of the Merchant Marine. May he sail now on calm seas of the outer world. I will deeply regret him for he stopped over at my place very frequently along the years and his visit was always a great pleasure.
I express my most sincere sympathies to his family and friends. Distance and age don’t allow me to be present for funerals but I will be closed by heart and mind to all of you.
Deepest Sympathy to The Families , Friends and The Community of Louisbourg 🙏 May His Precious Soul Rest In Peace 🙏 Allister will be Lovingly Remembered and Always Missed….💗💔
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My sincere sympathy to Allister’s family and friends.
He was an interesting person to talk with and a great ambassador for Louisbourg. Those people are becoming “few and far between”.
Such a traveller – I remember he told us he raised the Cape Breton flag in Antartica — what a unique experience…
Cherish the memories of Allister and God bless
Margie Cameron
Uncle Allister, you were an icon in this Town of Louisbourg. You fought hard to have this Town get everything it deserved. No matter how many times they stopped you, you tried again. You never forgot where you came from or what it meant to be from Louisbourg. .You lost so many of your friends in the last few years. They will be glad to see you. Especially your siblings . We will always love you big Al. ♥️
Condolence to the MacDonald Family May Allister be remembered for the good he done . Blessings and peace be with all of you
Allistar was such a kind, intelligent and witty guy. Everyone will miss him greatly.
i say a big sorry to allisters family on his passing. i moved to louisbourg 6 yrs ago after a life in toronto and his sincere close freindship over those six yrs made the move a good one,,,i used to say many times to him i dont know what i would have done if it wasnt for his freindship and of course the 6 yrs of doggy hikes almost daily with harley dog. allister sealed our freindship almost emmediately when the first winter on his usual sunday din dins i was ill and couldnt make it …2 hrs later allister braved the winter storm and was at my door with a steak supper for me…it was then i knew i had a true friend here in louisbourg…..i would sit for hours listening to his worldly travels , the one i thought was the best was when he fell over board on the amazon river , he called my ADD “”white noise”” but always had a smile on his face in doing so. his first love was his ducktoller harley dog and his tommy the tom cat and second was his red CTS caddy which he babied. . he was so lucky to have his neffew bobby move in for caregiving after hospital !! now i have to find out what is ahead of me without pobably the best and most careing freind i ever had.. i miss you ali-oop !! i’ll hold your tips for ya buddy !!
Allister is was my cousin and my friend.
He was a catylist to so many in Louisbourg>
He will be missed by all of us.
In the year of 2013, my first time on your side of the Atlantic Ocean, I was hitchiking across the Maritimes. I was heading to Cape Breton, but Allister’s kindness when he took me from Antigonish made me go visit Louisburg where he put me up for the night in his beautiful old house.
It is the kindness that I will never forget, no matter where I am. It is with great sadness I learned now of his passing.