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.
Sympathy Messages
Please accept my deepest condolences.
May my support warm your heart
- Katherine McConmey (neighbor), on
June 26, 2026
Such a great tutor and a great person. Sleep Easy Mr. MacDonald.
May my support warm your heart
- Metta Soe-Htwe, on
June 26, 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, on
June 26, 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, on
June 26, 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.
May my support warm your heart
- The Thibault Family, on
June 26, 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, on
June 27, 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, on
June 27, 2026
I will remember a very kind & generous man.
Thanks for everything Albert !
from St-Patrick's Sunday night suppers
- Christine, on
June 27, 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, on
June 27, 2026
A true gentleman, compassionate, loyal and sincere. God speed Albie.
- Tom Allen, on
June 27, 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 , on
June 27, 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, on
June 27, 2026
Sincere condolences to Albert's siblings, family and friends.
May my support warm your heart
- Heather W, on
June 28, 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.
May my support warm your heart
- Scott Lawson, on
June 28, 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!
May my support warm your heart
- Tony Pickard , on
June 29, 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!
May my support warm your heart
- Sylvie Lafrenière, on
June 29, 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, on
June 29, 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.
May my support warm your heart
- Michael McCubbin, on
June 30, 2026
What an amazing person. 🤍Many travel memories with the hockey teams. Rest in peace 🫶🏼
- The Pietroniro , on
June 30, 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.
May my support warm your heart
- Michael Dewing, on
July 1, 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.
May my support warm your heart
- Arlyn Bungay , on
July 2, 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 , on
July 2, 2026
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