Obituary of Aubrey Edward MacDonald

MacDONALD, Aubrey Edward, age 76, of Cooks Brook, passed away at the Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital on November 20, 2023 due to complications from Parkinson's Disease.

He was born in Cole Harbour on April 17, 1947, to John and Eva (Crawford) MacDonald. He was the youngest of five siblings.

He attended Woodlawn School and Halifax County Vocational School for Machine Shop. Over the years, he worked at Dartmouth Machine Shop, Fairey Aviation, IMP, Fundy Machine Shop and Pratt & Whitney.

Aubrey was an avid outdoorsman who spent many hours hunting or fishing, depending on the season. Some of his happiest moments were spent in the woods or at his camps at Fish River and then Scraggy Lake. He also enjoyed making maple syrup with his friends for many years.

As a Horse Show Dad, he was an excellent hauler, holder, groom, coach and horse treat dispenser. He became a great advocate for the Morgan Horse and volunteered many hours to shows and events for the breed in Atlantic Canada. He also spent time in the ring competing in obstacle driving classes. 

He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, especially with his good friend Roger Hiltz. The pair explored several parts of the Atlantic provinces and beyond together.

He is survived by his devoted wife Esther (Freckelton) of Cooks Brook, his loving children Michelle of Middle Musquodoboit, Kevin (Natasha) of Airdrie, Alberta and Kelly (Shane) of Riverview, N.B, his treasured grandchildren Nolan, Vivian and Bronwyn, his brother Laurie (Jean), brother-in-law Donald Mannette, sisters-in-law Shirley Freckelton and Marjorie (Keith) Mattias as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, sisters Florence (Ned) Elliot, Bernice Manette and Marie (Lionel) Weatherbie.

Cremation has taken place. A visitation will be held 6-8pm Friday, November 24 in Ettinger’s Funeral Home, Shubenacacadie, from where a  Celebration of Life will be held 2-4pm Saturday, November 25, with personal tributes to Aubrey being shared beginning at 2:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Musquodoboit Valley Health Foundation or a charity of your choice.

A heartfelt thank you from the family to the Musquodoboit Valley Memorial Hospital staff for their care and compassion while Aubrey was in their care.

Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Aubrey may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com