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.
Messages de sympathie
Please accept my deepest condolences.
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Katherine McConmey (neighbor), le
26 juin 2026
Such a great tutor and a great person. Sleep Easy Mr. MacDonald.
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Metta Soe-Htwe, le
26 juin 2026
Albert was a mentor in the truest sense of the word. He held everyone around him to a high standard because he truly believed in their potential. He made my years at BCS a true joy. May he rest in peace.
- Randi McCone, le
26 juin 2026
Our deepest condolences to the family, he was a special friend to so many and will be dearly missed. Rest Easy my friend. J
- Johnny Reid, le
26 juin 2026
Our sincere condolences to the family.
Mr. MacDonald encouraged students to believe in themselves and see their potential. He was a wonderful mentor to all.
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- The Thibault Family, le
26 juin 2026
My deepest condolences to all of Albert’s friends, family and to BCS alumni, staff and students (current and former). It was honour to have known him.
- Cora, le
27 juin 2026
I always remember Albert as one of the kindness, nicest gentleman I have ever had the pleasure of working with at BCS. The respect and admiration that the students had for Albert was evident in the classroom and through sports. My sincere condolences to Albert’s family and the BCS community. Albert’s spirit and legacy will always live on.
- Suzan Kendall, le
27 juin 2026
I will remember a very kind & generous man.
Thanks for everything Albert !
from St-Patrick's Sunday night suppers
- Christine, le
27 juin 2026
I feel blessed and privileged to have known Albert through his devout and calming presence at St. PATRICK'S PARISH. Impossible not to notice his generous volunteering and exceptional devotion and fidelity. He provided inspiration and strength to me in spiritual and parish life and I will sorely miss the constant gift he was to all who were blessed enough to cross his path in any way. My sincere condolences go out to all his family and friends and to all who knew, loved and were inspired by his exceptional self-giving character.
- Nora Patterson, le
27 juin 2026
A true gentleman, compassionate, loyal and sincere. God speed Albie.
- Tom Allen, le
27 juin 2026
Albert was one of the most decent, ethical men I’ve ever met. He certainly was called to teaching as if it was a vocation. His memory really is a blessing for me. He was so supportive and positive. We were all so blessed to count Albert as our friend and colleague. And for the students as a teacher or house parent. Sincere condolences to his family.
- Ellen Goldfinch , le
27 juin 2026
Albert was truly a Man For Others, a gentle giant who had a huge impact on so many lives. My condolences to his family. Rest In Peace "Bear".
- Brian Patterson, le
27 juin 2026
Sincere condolences to Albert's siblings, family and friends.
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Heather W, le
28 juin 2026
Through the short time I worked with Albert at BCS, I was fortunate to have had numerous enriching conversations with him, often times in the dining hall and The BCS Arena. Our discussions, whether about sport or academia are something I will cherish and look back on fondly. Albert truly had an incredibly positive impact on so many students and staff alike and the imprint he left on the lives of the many people who passed through the halls of BCS is immeasurable. Rest Easy- my thoughts are with his family through this trying time.
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Scott Lawson, le
28 juin 2026
As a student, athlete and fellow Islander I was impacted by knowing Mr. Macdonald. He took the time and effort to make interactions personal.
He encouraged us to live to a higher standard in turn raising confidence and self worth.
Value learning, respect others and oneself.
Whatever you do, don't fall asleep in class!
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Tony Pickard , le
29 juin 2026
May God greet you with open arms albert! You were the most kind and hardworking person I knew.
You deserve your place in Heaven! The Lafreniere and Desprès Family. PS if you see mom please give a hug for me!
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Sylvie Lafrenière, le
29 juin 2026
Sincere condolences to Albert's family, Bishop's College School, Bishop's University and St. Patrick's Parish friends. Albert's kindness, generosity and empathy shone through good times and bad. His ability to quickly identify knowledge gaps and to volunteer his time coaching football and tutoring math students will remain legendary. He will be missed.
- Louine Niwa, le
29 juin 2026
My sincere condolences to "Mr. MacDonald's" family and loved ones. I struggle to find words to capture what a great person he was. Very few people have had such a profound impact on so many. His most important lessons were not calculus and trigonometry - they ran much deeper: humility, respect (for others and ourselves), hard work, mental resilience...the list goes on. A strong calculus grade might get you into university, but his other lessons get you through life.
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Michael McCubbin, le
30 juin 2026
What an amazing person. 🤍Many travel memories with the hockey teams. Rest in peace 🫶🏼
- The Pietroniro , le
30 juin 2026
My heartfelt condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of meeting Albert on numerous occasions at family gatherings in Ottawa and always enjoyed hearing stories about his travels. He will be sorely missed.
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Michael Dewing, le
1 juillet 2026
Albert will always be remembered for his kind heart, generous spirit, and unwavering dedication to Saint Patrick Church. His selfless service in helping feed the homeless, his commitment to the church community, and his guidance as a beloved mentor and coach touched countless lives. His legacy of faith, compassion, and service will live on. Rest in peace, Albert. You will be deeply missed.
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Arlyn Bungay , le
2 juillet 2026
All the good memories and the things he brought to generations will remain. Let us keep the faith, as he used to tell us.
- Mario Hains , le
2 juillet 2026
Sincères sympathies to family, friends and Bcs’s community . He
Was a Great man, always Kimd and dédicacted For children and his work. I worked with him and others
At Bcs’ Summers school severral
Years. Goods memories
Louise Bouchard
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- Louise Bouchard, le
3 juillet 2026
I knew Albert through my best friend Joan MacDonald .I met Albert several times at Christmas dinner at Joan s place he was always a good conversationalist and I was struck by his kindness. I last saw him last summer in Ottawa with Joan as we had breakfast together. He had a really good sense of houmur and he will be greatly miss by his sister Joan and all his family and friends. My condolences...to his family and with great sympathy MJ xo
- Margaret Jane Campbell, le
3 juillet 2026
My sincere condolensces to his immediate family, BCS, BU and St-Patricks parish.
Truly a great man, who lead so many through the most important part of their young lives.
I remember his patience and calm as a teacher. Mathematics with Albert was something I Iooked forward to.
As a house parent his door was always open, and if you got the privelege of having his famous spaghetti you were in good company.
As a coach you never wanted to let him down. Never raised his voice always calm and direct, if u did something wrong you got the stair and stern talking to. DISCIPLINE in everything was his mantra.
ALBERT may you rest in peace and may your memory be eternal!
Paul Katsabanis and family!
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Paul Katsabanis , le
3 juillet 2026
Mr. McDonald changed my life with his warmth & love, encouragement as a teacher. I am so grateful to have known him. Thank you for everything. ♥️
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Dorothée Stieber, le
3 juillet 2026
May the memories your loved one left with you …comfort you, sustain you, and help to see you through this time of loss.
Thank you Albert for being part of our lives when in Shawinigan…
We will always remember your big kind heart …
With deepest sympathy,
Guy and Helen St. Onge
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Guy and Helen St Onge, le
4 juillet 2026
All my condolences to the family and close ones of Albert, he helped me a lot in my time at BCS and spent hours helping other students. He was an inspiration for all of us
- Thomas Dandurand, le
7 juillet 2026
I saw this notice on the UPEI newsletter, if it was in the PEI obituaries I missed it. I extend deepest sympathy to all members of the MacDonald family, as I knew Albert from the UPEI years. Meeting him on campus or elsewhere was always a plus, I recall his warm, genuine smile and he was upbeat and interested in people.
May the love of Christ touch and warm your hearts as you remember him with love and comforting memories.
In God's keeping...
- Reed Cudmore, le
30 juillet 2026
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