Rev Stanley MacDonald died on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at St. Martha Hospital, Antigonish. He was 92 years old and in his 66th year of priesthood.
Fr. Stan was born on January 2, 1933, in Glace Bay, NS. He was predeceased by his parents, Dan Alex MacDonald and Sarah (Sally) Carruthers Beattie MacDonald. Fr. Stan was also predeceased by siblings Evelyn Sampson, Mary MacEachern, Effie Turner, Audrey Morris, Marilyn Ferguson, Eric (Skit), Brenton, Blaise, Sean and infant, Thomas. He is survived by his brother, Dennis (Carol) MacDonald, and his sister, Carol (late Celso) Gatchalian, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members. He was raised in a large family surrounded by love. Growing up, he was proud to be a part of the family business, The Sally Anne Bakery.
He was ordained by Bishop J. R. MacDonald on May 23, 1959, at St. Ninian Cathedral.
He served in various capacities within the Diocese, including Assistant Pastor and Pastor. Beginning in June of 1959, Father Stan served at Holy Guardian Angels Parish, L’Ardoise; St. Ninian Cathedral, Antigonish; briefly at Mount Carmel Parish, New Waterford; on Staff Office of Religious Education in Sydney; St. Alphonsus Parish, Low Point; then as Pastor Holy Guardian Angels Parish, L’Ardoise; Stella Maris Parish, Inverness; Our Lady of Fatima, Sydney River; Holy Redeemer and St. Nicholas, Sydney. At the age of 65, he retired from parish ministry in June of 1998. He served as Chaplain for the Sisters of St. Martha in Antigonish. He remained very active in retirement. In 2008, he became a full-time Priest-in-residence at StFX, living at Mockler Hall.
During his years of ministry, he was granted a Leave in 1965 for study in Brussels. In 1984, he was granted a one-year sabbatical. He was appointed Dean of the Richmond County Deanery in 1971. In 1978, he served on the Council of Priests.
The University states, “In his yearbook, ‘Stumpy’ (as he was nicknamed) was described in part as having a ‘winning personality’ and someone who ‘makes friends easily and lastingly… For 17 years, Father Stan was an unofficial guidance counsellor, book club guide, spiritual advisor, and meal companion along with being the ultimate St. FX Super Fan.” Father Stan was probably best known for his chants of “Go X Go” at varsity games on campus.
Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, May 17 at StFX College Chapel. Burial at a later date at his former parish, St. Margaret of Scotland in Broad Cove.