Donald Frost MacGowan

The celebration of life for Donald Frost MacGowan QC, will be held from Fundy Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at 11 a.m., followed by a reception. Bring your stories, your laughs, and happiness to share with each other.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald Frost MacGowan on March 21, 2022 at the age of 87.

He leaves behind Merle, his beautiful wife of 64 years. With dedication, love and as incredible role models they raised 5 children, Bruce (Kim), Heather Daniels (Don), Sheila (the late Alan Good), Brian (Sandy) and Glenn (Sheila). He was also proud of his grandchildren, Brian and Sandy’s daughters Bonnie and Kellie and Glenn and Sheila’s children Leah and Evan. He is also survived by his sister Phyllis Currie and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents Alan and Leah MacGowan, his brother Alan and his son in law Alan Good.

Don grew up in Hampton where he received his early education. He attended Mount Allison University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Honours in History. In 1958 he received his Law Degree from the University of New Brunswick where he was named a Beaverbrook Scholar.

Don led a very rich and full life that included a long legal career and a life time of serving the community. Don offered his time and talents to many organizations. He was active in the Canadian Cancer Society, at the local and national levels, and its research arm the National Cancer Institute of Canada, for nearly 50 years as a Board Member, Honorary Solicitor and the National Director. Don also was very involved at Mount Allison University serving on their Board of Regents, the University Senate and the Board Executive from 1969 to 1992. He was instrumental in the formation of the Kings County Historical & Archival Society being one of the founding members. He served as New Brunswick Consul for the Kingdom of Norway for 28 years. He also served with the Canadian Army Militia and sat on a number of other boards and committees that served the broader community.

Don was the recipient of numerous honours and awards. Among his distinctions are the Canadian Forces Decoration (1961), Queen’s Jubilee Medal (1977), Honorary Life Member Canadian Cancer Society (1980), the Queen’s Counsel (1987), the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit (1988), the Mount Allison Board of Regents Medal for Distinguished Service (1993), the Canadian Cancer Society National Citation of Merit (2004) and a Life Time Membership in the NB Bar (2008) to name a few.

To say that Don was a sports fan would be understating his love of all sports. In his youth and through his days at university he played baseball, football, soccer, curling and of course his favourite position of all as goaltender in hockey. Later in life he continued curling and became an avid golfer but he never lost his love of being a goalie. He rarely turned down a request to fill in as goalie and often it was playing with people very much his junior. He finally hung up his skates and pads at the age of 84. He also was a big fan of attending sporting events or watching them on television - he loved his BoSox.  If he was not playing a sport he could be found outside in his garden or his beloved ‘back 40’.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to all of the staff of Concorde and Embassy Halls for their excellent care they gave Don. Your kindness and compassion will not be forgotten.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road. There will be a Celebration of Life held in late June, more information will follow.

Donations can be made in Don’s name to the charity of the donor’s choice. To send a message of condolence please visit www.fundyfuneralhome.com.