James Reginald MacDONALD — Souris

It is with sadness the family of James “Jim Reggie” MacDonald announce his passing which occurred at the Colville Manor, Souris, PE on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Born to the late Reginald S. and Katherine MacDonald on June 6, 1937, he was aged 86 of Souris, PE. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Helen MacDonald; and will be remembered as a loving father to Art (Cynthia), Mike (Lisa) and is predeceased by his son, Reggie. Jim was a very caring Papa to grandchildren, Steven, Chelsea (Brad), Victoria, Tanner (Jessica), Alexander (Lily); and great-grandson, Jensen James. In addition, he is survived by his brother, John (Flossie); and predeceased by his sister, Kate. Jim Reggie to most and Papa to others, Jim lived his life to the fullest. At 17, he went to work on a ship that would ultimately take him from the Arctic circle to Antarctica and near everywhere in between. All the while his infectious personality and gift of the gad allowed him to make friends in both high and low places all along the way. His ability and affinity for telling a story is one of the things for which he will be most sorely missed and fondly remembered. From befriending and taking part in the Antarctic expedition with the first man to summit Mt. Everest, his time running shine during the liquor ban on the island or his tales of fishing lobsters on “The Cape”, everyone that had the privilege to listen will always carry some story with them and through that he will never be forgotten. Jim Reggie was also an avid fisherman and could always be counted on to be the first one up on setting day with coffee ready, even long after his retirement. The first one to ask how the days catch was and never one to miss the opening day of trout fishing with his grandson. He was a fierce advocate for the lobster industry on the island and worked tirelessly to ensure the growth of the industry he loved and had taken part in since he was 11. Jim was a great ‘Papa’ though all of us would argue he was the best. He was always available for his grandchildren for whom he doted upon and always made himself available for, night or day. We will never be able to look at a package of Larsen wieners without thinking of many a Christmas gifts to and from our Papa. The seagulls, crows and foxes of Souris will sorely miss his daily banquet of ‘Biscuits and Wieners’ and stray cats everywhere will miss his feeds of crab and kibble. The world is a little darker with his passing. But if there’s anything to learn from an old man who lived a life full of travel, adventure, shenanigans and love it’s this: listen to people, regardless of who they are and where they come from. Tell your stories and above all else, always get the jumbo pack of hot dogs! The family would like to acknowledge the exceptional care given to Jim during his time at the Colville Manor. The kindness and compassion shown to him during his time there will always be remembered. A visitation will be held at Dingwell Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, from 4-7 p.m. A funeral will take place on Thursday, December 28, at 11 a.m. with interment to follow in the church cemetery. If so desired, donations in memory of Jim can be made to PEI Humane Society or Lennon House. Online condolences can be made at: www.dingwellfh.ca