Rev. Iain T. M. Macdonald – 87, Bedford. The family of Rev. Iain Macdonald sadly announces his death on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at the VG Site, QEII, Halifax.

Iain Thomson Macleod Macdonald was born in Edinburgh, Scotland to the late Roderick and Jean (Thomson) Macdonald. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Lois E. Miller; daughters, Christina (Ian Sinclair) and Margaret; grandson, Alden Macdonald-Sinclair; sister, Valerie Chappel (late John), Reno, Nevada; brother, Derick (Shauna Hooker), Scottsdale, Arizona; sister-in-law, Mary Miller (late Ross), Halifax. He is also survived by nieces and nephews in Canada and the US and by cousins in Scotland.

His earliest memory as a young child was being pulled away from a window and carried to shelter under the stairs as bombs fell on Edinburgh, probably in October, 1939. With his mother and infant sister Valerie, Iain was evacuated to the small town of Millport on the Greater Cumbrae, an island on the west coast of Scotland downriver from Glasgow. There the family lived with the Macdonald grandparents and Iain began school. Iain's war years were scarred with grief at the death of one uncle in the War and the serious wounding of another. Like other children of the War, however, he found opportunities for joy whenever possible. World War II inspired in him a life-long interest in military history.

In 1947, the Macdonalds immigrated to Canada for a fresh start, moving often as Iain's father sought work and a good home for his family. In all, Iain attended 26 schools, including four universities.

Iain received a BA from University of Alberta and an MDiv from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. At Alberta, he received a prestigious award for outstanding service to the student body in his role as secretary of the Students' Union. He did graduate work at Oxford University where he was a member of St. John's College and kept in touch with the college on later visits to the UK.

Iain and Lois married in Kingston, Ontario in 1978. He was a devoted husband and was happy to be able to support Lois in her endeavours. He was an incredibly loving father to daughters Christina and Margaret.

After his ordination as a United Church minister in 1980, Iain served congregations in Ontario and Nova Scotia. He was an excellent narrative and Biblical preacher. In a recent tribute, one congregation member referred to his thought-provoking sermons that were the highlight of that person's week. Another recalled how Iain would deliver a sermon without notes while walking up and down the church aisle, on one occasion with a crying baby, not his own, in his arms. He loved children and welcomed their vocal contributions to his services.  

Iain was an effective and compassionate pastor. People have reached out to his family to describe Iain's calm and reassuring presence during times of crisis or grief.

Iain collected and cherished friends. He was a member of Royal Canadian Legion, Masonic Lodge, New Democratic Party and the Oxford and Cambridge Society of NS.

Iain loved travelling with Lois to visit friends and family throughout North America and the United Kingdom. He voraciously devoured both books and sushi. The last meal he enjoyed was sushi served in his hospital bed. Iain adored cats and his family see him now reunited with many beloved family cats.

The funeral for Rev. Iain Macdonald will be held at St. John's United Church, 3360 Highway 2 in Fall River, on Friday, May 30 at 11 a.m., Rev. David Hann presiding. A reception will follow. There will be two visitations: Thursday, May 29, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. In accordance with Iain's wishes, the Brethren of C. W. Saunders Lodge will conduct a Masonic Service in honour and remembrance of their dearly departed Brother commencing at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29. All events are being held at St. John's United Church, 3360 Highway 2, Fall River.

Interment will take place later in Silver Lake Cemetery on Manitoulin Island, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to St. John's United Church through Canada Helps, or via e-transfer to [email protected].

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com