1926
2017
With love, sadness, and gratitude for all he gave us, we announce Rollie's death on February 21, 2017.
Rollie was the loving husband of Frances (Somers) for sixty-one years and the beloved father for Brian (Morag), Stephen (Kathy), Shannon (Camille) LeBlanc, Michael (Kim), Kathleen (Bill) Walton, Kevin (Karen), D'Arcy (Anne), Erin and Seana. He is also survived by his 22 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Rollie cherished family and friends and loved to be in their company whenever possible.
Born on December 10, 1926, in Sydney, NS, Rollie was the son of Otty and Amelia (McNeil) McDonah. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his only sister Mary Eileen and brothers Donald, Roderick, Gregory and John.
Rollie loved to learn and attended Sydney Academy, graduated from Xavier Junior College, Sydney and later received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary's University. Through the years, he worked in a number of careers starting at the Sydney Steel Plant and then numerous roles with the Federal Public Service where he retired in 1988 as the regional director of finance and administration for Parks Canada.
Rollie was also very active in the community. He volunteered for several years at the IWK Hospital as a member of the Kiwanis Golden K Club and was an active contributor to many activities in his parish and neighbourhoods. He was a member of the Canadian Army Militia, serving with the Cape Breton Highlanders, 3 Militia Group and Halifax Rifles.
An active sailor, Rollie participated in many sailing regattas with his family in Halifax as well as Chester and Lunenburg. He also loved to travel and meet people. He could rouse a smile from all he met with a wink and a Werther.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at Saint Thomas Aquinas Canadian Martyrs Parish (1725 Oxford St.) at 11AM on Saturday, February 25, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. Cremation and Internment will take place at a later date.
The family expresses special thanks to the nurses and doctors at the QEII, the paramedics at EHS, Dr. Graeme Bethune and to the VON for their dedication and compassionate care.
In memory of Rollie, please consider donating to Chalice, the Neurofibromatosis Society of Nova Scotia (nfsns.org) or a charity of choice and by serving others with an act of kindness.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Cruikshank's Halifax Funeral Home.
37 Entries
March 14, 2017
Terry Rutkauskas
Dear Shannon and Family,
We were so very sorry to hear of your father's recent passing. He sounds like he was a wonderful, accomplished man, who lived a long, full life - all those grandchildren and great-grandchildren - he was truly blessed! You are in our thoughts and prayers, the Rutkauskas Family
February 25, 2017
To Fran and the McDonah family. My sympathies on the loss of Rollie. We had many good times at Parks. A Ada over the years and Rollie certainly left his mark on the organization in a large way. I pray that your memories of Rollie will sustain you all in the days ahead. Bob Eaton
February 25, 2017
Stephanie Carne
Dear Fran and the McDonah family
So sorry to hear of Rollie's passing. He was a wonderful man and well remembered. I'm sorry I won't be there for the funeral.
Thinking of you, Stephanie (Jones), Jason, Dylan and Tamsin Carne
February 25, 2017
Deb and Dan Piggott
Dear Shannon and family.
Deb and I send our sincerest condolences to you, your Mom and family during this very difficult time. Our thoughts are with you all.
February 25, 2017
marcel aucoin
Dear Fran and family ,
We were so fortunate to have you and Rollie as our next door neighbours when we first moved to Seligs Rd. Rollie's friendship, kind nature, permanent smile and twinkle .... we will never forget.
Rest in peace Rollie.
Marcel and Sharon Aucoin
February 25, 2017
Jennifer, John, Ron & Marie Downie and Sullivan families Downie Sullivan
Kathleen, Fran and the entire McDonah family, our deepest condolences to you at this very sad & difficult time. A wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed. A lifetime of beautiful memories to hold onto and cherish. With sympathy and love, the Downie and Sullivan families. Xo
February 24, 2017
Francis Tibbetts
Fran and family:
I have the most pleasant memories of the years you and Rollie were members of Armdale Yacht Club and kept your series of boats at the Waegwoltic. "Cough Drop" and "Orange Peel" particularly come to mind. Your kids,were afforded the chance to learn sailing, and a couple of them went on to excel (and continue to excel) at the sport. Through these years Rollie was always on the scene, and people frequently remarked on his total interest and involvement in his family. I was sad to read of his passing.
I am in Florida and will not be able to attend the service. I wish I could.
My thoughts are with you and with the fine family you and Rollie turned out.
Francis Tibbetts
February 24, 2017
Dear Fran: Ron and I have been here in Florida for just over a week and we were so sad to read of Rollie's death in the paper yesterday. He was such an extraordinary person, always sharing his humour and generosity. It was such a delight to meet him in church and to be the recipient of his Lindt treats over the years. He was special indeed. We regret that we are not able to attend the Mass tomorrow but send our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to you and your wonderful family. Sincerely, Ron and Marie Downie
February 24, 2017
Karla Mackenzie
D'Arcy, sending you and your entire family my deepest sympathy during your time of sorrow.
February 24, 2017
Theresa MacNeil
Shannon and all of the McDonah family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mr McDonah sounds like he was a very fine person whom many were lucky to call family or friend. Shannon, many of your father's described traits are easily manifest in you. Please take comfort in the lovely and many memories you have of your dad. Love, Theresa
February 24, 2017
Jim Jollota
My condolences to Rollie's family.
I servrd with c
Capt. McDonah in The Halifax Rifles as an officer cadet.
I remember him as a fine officer and a gentleman.
Sincerely, Jim Jollota
The Halifax Rifles Armoury Association
February 24, 2017
Anne Brookbank
I was very sad to hear of Rollie's passing. Kathleen so kindly came to visit me in Ottawa to share the sad news, bringing with her a beautiful pot of tulips. This is just one of the many kindnesses the McDonah family has shown to me over the years. Our friendship began when we were neighbours on Jubilee Road over 50 years ago, and it lasted a lifetime. Always smiling and with a twinkle in his eye, Rollie was a kind and loyal friend and I feel lucky to have known him. To Fran and the family, please know that my thoughts and love, and those of the Brookbank family, are with you.
February 23, 2017
Roseanne Williams
Dear Fran and Family,
As I remember him, Rollie radiated faith and kindness to everyone he met.
The gift of his friendship, support/encouragement and his ever-ready sense of humour meant so much to my father -- Malachi. He always came away from a visit with Rollie lighter than when he arrived. Rollie's friendship was a huge gift.
He was a man of great compassion and caring. Thank you all. Roseanne Williams, Auckland, NZ
February 23, 2017
Holly Barton
My condolences to you and your family during this time of sorrow.
February 23, 2017
Susan Piercey
Dear Kevin and family,
We are very sad to hear of the loss of your dad and hope that the many wonderful memories you shared throughout the years will sustain you during this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and in our prayers.
Susan Piercey and the Cromwell family
February 23, 2017
Barbara Jones
Rollie was the kind of person who brought out the best in people....He will be truly missed. Our sincere sympathy to Fran and the entire McDonah family. Barb and Richard Gordon
February 23, 2017
Marge & Barry Boutilier
I worked with Rollie at Parks Canada for many years, and always remember his smile, laughter, the wink, and he was always with a pocketful of candy, leaving candy on your desk when he walked away, and usually Werthers. I remember his many visits with our boss, Bill Turnbull, always taking him Fran's homemade soup and goodies, which "Mr. T" loved and always enjoyed his visits. Lots of great memories of the Parks Canada days. My sympathy and prayers are with you all at this sad and difficult time. Marge & Barry Boutilier
February 23, 2017
Mike Burke
Truly a wonderful man and a great neighbour. Our parents, Mary and Bernie, will be happy to have his smile and candies around again. Our sincere condolences. Mike Burke and family
February 23, 2017
Denice Ozon
Sincere condolences to Fran and the McDonah family. I had the privilege of working with Rollie for six years early in my career at Parks Canada. I will always remember Rollie for his kindness to me. He was very thoughtful and would often bring us little gifts from his work travels. In later years he would often stop by the office at Christmas to drop off treats (Werthers and Honey Crisp apples). He will be sadly missed.
February 23, 2017
Sheila and Joe Fougere
Joe and I send our sincere condolences to the whole McDonah clan. Regrettably we are out of town, so we are unable to bring them in person. I will remember your Dad/Husband every time I have a Werthers candy!
February 23, 2017
Kim Whalen
Dear Mike and family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Kim
February 23, 2017
Sue Kiely Chisholm
Seana and family, our condolences on the loss of your father. Our sympathies to you all at this time.
February 23, 2017
Juanita Mombourquette
Dear Erin and family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your father. May you find peace in this difficult time.
Juanita
February 23, 2017
Dave Freckelton
On behalf of the staff at NSCC-Pictou Campus, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family, D'Arcy.
February 23, 2017
Thinking of you and your family during your time of sorrow. Betty Walsh
February 23, 2017
Shelley Robertson
So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies Mike and family. You are in my prayers.
February 23, 2017
Brian Oldford
Mike, Debbie and I send our condolences to you and your family .
Debbie says he will be so missed by her and others as they always enjoyed his visits
February 23, 2017
Mike and Family, my heartfelt sympathy and condolences for the loss of your father. Thinking of you all.
Angela Probert
February 23, 2017
Derrick Somers
I already miss Uncle Rollie, he was a fantastic person and will be missed by all. We are thinking of all my cousins and Aunt Frances at this difficult time.
Derrick, Denni, Justine and Zachary
February 23, 2017
Theresa Rose
D'Arcy, Anne, Sarah, Olivia, Alex, Evan & the entire McDonah family, our deepest sympathy to you all. Having the privilege over the years to spend time with your family, and Rollie & Fran - what an amazing gift you all have of the "McDonah clan" which he was so clearly proud of with his laughter and smiles at any occasion that brought you together. Thinking of you all, Theresa, Jeff, Brendan, Aidan & Tyler
February 23, 2017
D'Arcy and Anne, our deepest sympathies go to you and your family. You are in our prayers. Jim and Nadine
February 23, 2017
Rose Dunphy
Shannnon & family , so sad to hear about your dad
February 23, 2017
Janice Tobin
So sorry for your loss Darcy and Anne. There are no words....
Donnie and Janice
February 22, 2017
Brian and family, our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences for the loss of your father. Thinking of you, Lorna and John
February 22, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Deepest sympathy,
Mildred Fulton
February 22, 2017
Margaret Hearn
Kevin and D'Arcy, my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father.
February 22, 2017
Sincere condolences to the McDonah family
We have lovely memories of Rollie,Fran and family
He was a very special person
Love to all of you
Denis and Muriel
Ps we are away from Canada for a few months
Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results
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