In memory of
Philip Lloyd MacDonald
July 12, 1943 - April 16, 2025
Philip “Phil” Lloyd MacDonald, 81, of Toronto, Ontario, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Phil cherished his childhood summers with his siblings in Port Hilford, where he later built a family cottage—a place of joy and peace that he shared with his children and grandchildren.
Phil was a curious, thoughtful man who lived with deep integrity and a dry sense of humor. He shared his passion for lifelong learning with his daughters during Saturday library visits, passing along his love of reading and quiet discovery. Phil also found joy in sailing and, later, in flying after earning his pilot’s license in retirement.
Family was at the heart of Phil’s life. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth MacDonald; his daughters Alison (James), Elizabeth, and Jane (Ken); and his five grandchildren—Charlotte, James, Beamish, Alban, and Callum—who adored their “Papa.” He is also lovingly remembered by his siblings Nancy, Peter (Cathy), Max, and John, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Phil was predeceased by his devoted mother, Adah (McConnell) MacDonald, and his beloved grandmothers, Charlotte (Reid) McConnell and Catherine MacDonald.
He attended Mount Allison University, where he served as student council president, and had a distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Communications Branch. He continued his public service with Veterans Affairs Canada and notably helped lead an expedition to Myanmar (Burma) in 1996 to recover the remains of a Royal Canadian Air Force crew (RCAF) lost during World War II.
Phil’s family will always remember him for his steady presence, quiet wit, and generous spirit. He taught us the value of humility and curiosity—and the joy of a well-worn book, a quiet morning by the lake, and a job done right.
A celebration of his life will be held in Port Hilford, Nova Scotia, later this summer. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations can be made in Phil’s name to Parkinson Canada. (donate.parkinson.ca) S
Born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Phil cherished his childhood summers with his siblings in Port Hilford, where he later built a family cottage—a place of joy and peace that he shared with his children and grandchildren.
Phil was a curious, thoughtful man who lived with deep integrity and a dry sense of humor. He shared his passion for lifelong learning with his daughters during Saturday library visits, passing along his love of reading and quiet discovery. Phil also found joy in sailing and, later, in flying after earning his pilot’s license in retirement.
Family was at the heart of Phil’s life. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth MacDonald; his daughters Alison (James), Elizabeth, and Jane (Ken); and his five grandchildren—Charlotte, James, Beamish, Alban, and Callum—who adored their “Papa.” He is also lovingly remembered by his siblings Nancy, Peter (Cathy), Max, and John, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Phil was predeceased by his devoted mother, Adah (McConnell) MacDonald, and his beloved grandmothers, Charlotte (Reid) McConnell and Catherine MacDonald.
He attended Mount Allison University, where he served as student council president, and had a distinguished career in the Canadian Armed Forces, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Communications Branch. He continued his public service with Veterans Affairs Canada and notably helped lead an expedition to Myanmar (Burma) in 1996 to recover the remains of a Royal Canadian Air Force crew (RCAF) lost during World War II.
Phil’s family will always remember him for his steady presence, quiet wit, and generous spirit. He taught us the value of humility and curiosity—and the joy of a well-worn book, a quiet morning by the lake, and a job done right.
A celebration of his life will be held in Port Hilford, Nova Scotia, later this summer. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations can be made in Phil’s name to Parkinson Canada. (donate.parkinson.ca) S