John (Farmer) MacDonald

John MacDonald of Camano Island, Washington passed away peacefully on March 22. He was 89.

He was born in Fairmont, Nova Scotia.

He loved hockey and was involved in it most of his life. He had a successful career in amateur and professional hockey as a defenseman, playing for several teams in the United States and Canada, including the Bulldogs, Marlboros, Jets, and Mustangs, to name a few.

He was a youth hockey coach where he imparted an ethic of hard work, discipline, and teamwork above all else. John guided two teams out of the Sno-King Amateur Hockey Association to the U.S. National Championship: Peewee 1978, the first for the west coast in A.H.A.U.S. history, and Bantam in 1980. The nucleus team of champions played together for many years from Mini Mite to Bantam (5 to 15 years of age) and included his son John. The team throughout his tenure won almost every play off and regional championship entered in the United States and Canada.

He also worked in the construction industry, specializing in bridge, underground mining (CA) and tunnel work. He retired as a superintendent after 32 years of service with the Local 292 (WA).

From the age of five, John worked hard on the family farm along with his siblings to help support the family. He was a loving father and a generous friend who was always willing to lend a helping hand. His colorful vocabulary and dry wit were hallmark qualities. His many interests included reading the morning newspaper, sports, politics, gardening, animals and 5 o’clock Miller Time.

He is preceded in death by parents Hugh and Maggie MacDonald, son John (Lucille), wife Pat, and ten siblings: Roderick, Francis, Rev Bernard A, Billy and Eugene, Mary, Eileen, Lucy, Betty and Valeta.

He is survived by sisters-in law Martha and Patsy, brothers-in-law Alex, Gene and Dick, daughter Ann Marie, stepchildren (late Pat), ex-wife Lucille and many nieces and nephews and their families.

John’s passing will leave a significant void in our lives. He will be cherished by all those who knew and loved him.