It is with deep sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of John “Albert” MacDonald (Bear) at his home in Compton, PQ on June 20, 2026. Albert was born July 15, 1949, in Charlottetown, P.E.I. He devoted his life to teaching, coaching, travel, and to the many students and colleagues he mentored over a long and distinguished career.
After graduating from the University of Prince Edward Island in 1971, Albert began his teaching career in Shawinigan, PQ and moved on to Bishop’s College School (BCS) in Lennoxville, PQ in 1983. He was a fixture at BCS as a teacher, tutor, mentor and friend to generations of students from near and far. Even after retiring in 2010 he kept giving of his time, coaching football and tutoring math and science to students from BCS, Stanstead College and Galt High School.
Sports were a big part of who he was. His first organized sport was hockey like many Canadians. In university he was recruited for football based on his build alone. He played on the varsity team for 4 years as a starting offensive lineman. Later he spent many years coaching at the college level, helping develop players some who went on to play in the CFL and NFL. His love of hockey continued too — playing and coaching for most of his life and playing with the Lennoxville Oldtimers as recently as last year. He brought the same steady, encouraging presence to the rink and the field that he brought to the classroom.
Albert was a devout Roman Catholic. A regular participant at Sunday mass and active in his parish community at St Patrick’s Church Sherbrooke. He was a former president of Fabrique (economic council). He was a regular volunteer at the church’s Sunday Sharing Suppers, lector, and volunteer as alter server for weekday funerals. He was always available to welcome immigrants of the community and assist them any way possible. He was trusted in counting every Sunday collection and at one point he was the parish treasurer.
Travel was another passion. He preferred driving to flying which allowed him to visit family and friends, camp and take in the scenery along the way. He normally boarded a plane only if an ocean separated him from his next adventure. He would take long cross‑country trips not only through Canada but other parts of North and Central America. Albert enjoyed exploring different countries and cultures. He spent extended time abroad, including several trips volunteering for the Round Square Project in Hungary.
Albert was predeceased by his parents Ronald and Geraldine (nee McInnis) MacDonald and his brother, Paul. He is survived by his siblings Joan, George, Betty (Mike) and Andrew and sister‑in‑law Siri Jackson-Wood as well as his nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also survived by close friends who were like family to him — especially Mitch Cormier and her children Mike and Nicky.
A Holy Mass will be held at Bishop’s College School, Lennoxville; on July 4th at 11am. There will be a reception to follow in the school cafeteria. A Roman Catholic funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s church, Sherbrooke at 11am on Saturday October 17th, 2026. There will also a celebration of life for Albert in PEI in August, date to be set later.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Albert MacDonald Scholarship (BCS), the St. Patrick’s Sunday Apostolate for the needy or to a charity supporting youth sports or education would be welcomed. Albert’s students and colleagues will remember him for his dedication, his mentorship and the steady kindness he offered to everyone he met.
