MacDONALD, Joseph Clement, – age 74, of Rines Creek, passed away suddenly on October 14, 2025, in Doctors Brook, Antigonish County.  Born in Woburn, Massachusetts, he was a son of the late Joseph Clement Sr. and Mary Jane (MacGillivary) MacDonald

Joe first came to Nova Scotia in 1971 and knew he wanted to make his home here.  After meeting Theresa, they started their life together, building their home and raising their children.  Joe worked for the Department of National Defense for 34 years as a rigger and crane tester.  Joe loved doing his own work, and was adamant that he was capable of any job on his own.  If he didn’t have the tool he needed, he would make it.  From rough woodworking to rebuilding engines, he could fix and build practically anything.  He enjoyed his daily walks with his dog, Akira and stopping by to visit with his friends, Shane McPhee and Philip Turple. Joe looked forward to his trips to the USA, where he visited and reconnected with his siblings, nieces and nephews. He also loved his cottage, spending special moments with his many cousins when he got the chance.     

Joe will be sadly missed by his wife, Theresa (Wells); daughter, Diana; son, Rob (Tiffany); grandson, Dane; step-grandsons, Nick and Alex; sister, Nancy Flynn; brother, Ronnie (Joanne); brother-in-law, Bob Watkins; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Joe was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Watkins; brothers-in-law, Joseph Flynn and John Wells; sisters-in-law, Mary MacDonald and Rose Dewolfe.  

Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 6-8PM Tuesday, October 21, in Ettinger’s Funeral Home, Shubenacadie.  A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11AM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, Middle Musquodoboit, Father Duncan MacMaster officiating, assisted by Deacon Dan Bowden.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joe may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

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