Obituary of Rodrick James MacDonnell

It is with great sadness that we announce Rodrick James “Rod” MacDonnell loving brother, father, and husband, 53, New Glasgow, passed away, at peace, Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in the Aberdeen Hospital, Palliative Care Unit, surrounded by his family, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Born in Antigonish and raised in Judique, he was a son of the late Malcolm Vincent and Aileen Dorothy (Helin) Mac Donnell. Prior to his illness he was a long-haul truck driver with DeMont’s Transport. In earlier years he was employed as a fisherman, however, his passion was driving and travelling down the highway.

Surviving are his wife, Diane (Murphy) MacDonnell; daughter, Korinne MacDonnell (Jonn Watson), New Glasgow; son, Justin MacDonnell, Shilo, Man.; sister, Marion Stewart, Truro; brothers, Ed (Cathy), Fort St. John, B.C.; Burt (Tanya), Stellarton; Angus “Ang” (Bev), Grande Prairie, Alta.; Walter “Walt”, Troy; Ron (Jennifer) and Roy, Grande Prairie; father and mother-in-law, Danny and Claudette Murphy, Moncton, N.B.; many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, August 3rd, in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow with  words by Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson at 7:45 p.m.  Donations may be made in his memory to the Canadian Cancer Society .

Viking Funeral

By Michele Brenton

Lay him down

Dress him fine,

Weave flowers in his beard;

For he is loved,

He is mine,

Paid for with my tears.

Battles over,

Warrior King

Respected by his peers;

Hold his image

Sing his songs

To echo through the years.

Upon the waters

Send him well,

Let the flames begin;

Valhalla waits

While my heart breaks

And yearns to burn with him.

Lovingly submitted by family.