It is with profound sadness that we, the family, announce the death of our beloved son, brother, and friend, Kenneth Justin MacDonald, at the age of 34.
Born in North Sydney, Justin was the cherished son of Kenneth and Mary Margaret “Peggy” (Trainor) MacDonald, and from a young age, he brought warmth, laughter, and a boundless spirit to everyone who knew him.
Justin’s life was filled with love for his family and his community. He is survived by his sisters Laura and Destiny MacDonald, and Alyssa DiMarco; brothers George and Zander MacDonald; and a wide circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He was especially close to his uncle and godfather Gordon (Rhonda) MacDonald and his godmother Norma Barter. His two best friends, Jackie MacNeil and Chelsey Slade, stood by him throughout his life, along with his faithful dog, Hannibal.
In his youth, Justin was active in Cubs and Scouts, and he enjoyed trying his hand at baseball. A loyal fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays, Justin was also an avid hockey player throughout his school years, forging many lasting friendships on the ice.
At just 16, he joined the Militia and became one of the youngest paramedics with the 35 Field Ambulance Unit, training in Borden, Ontario, and Halifax—a testament to his determination and heart for service.
Justin’s work ethic was remarkable. From early jobs with his father in sales to working in telemarketing, he was never idle. He found success at MacDonald Auto Group, rising to become a young manager at MacDonald Kia in Port Hawkesbury before joining his father’s business at Aerus.
Ever eager to learn and grow, Justin pursued a Technical Electrical Engineering degree and later joined Protocase—a role he was excited to grow into. Yet Justin’s most profound legacy lies in his passion for giving back.
With his mother, he ran the Challenger Baseball Program for children with cognitive and physical disabilities, transforming it into a life-changing initiative.
As “Coach Justin,” he was instrumental in bringing the Jay’s Care Foundation onboard, organizing annual jamborees and even coordinating a trip during COVID that took over 60 players, buddies, and coaches to Toronto—a journey that raised over $100,000 and created memories for a lifetime.
During the pandemic, Justin and his mother sewed and distributed more than 3,000 masks to community members, all without seeking recognition. He quietly delivered supplies to those in need and supported numerous local causes.
Justin helped secure funding for artificial turf at the Sydney Mines and Sydney Little League fields, raising over $500,000 to make inclusive play possible. He also coached the Sydney Mines Ramblers during the 2022 Canadian Senior Little League Championship and co-founded the CB Miracle Athletes, a group that, under his vision, planned a dream trip to Florida to play the Orlando Miracle Athletes.
Though Justin passed before that trip took place, his mother and community carried his dream forward. In 2023, he and his mother were honored as Co-Coaches of the Year by the Toronto Blue Jays’ Jay’s Care Foundation. That same year, Justin represented Nova Scotia in a partnership with Jay’s Care, sent by Premier Tim Houston to advance inclusive sports programs.
We extend heartfelt thanks to the Cape Breton Regional Police, Major Crime Unit, and Chief Robert Walsh for their tireless work and compassion during our time of unimaginable loss.
Special thanks to Gordon MacDonald, whose strength held our family together, and to the countless friends and strangers who searched, supported, and stood with us. Your love and efforts will never be forgotten.
Visitation for Justin will be held Thursday, June 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 6, at St. Joseph Church, North Sydney, with Rev. Doug MacDonald officiating and Rev. Conrad Edwards concelebrating.
Online condolences can be shared at www.wjdooley.com. Justin’s legacy of kindness, service, and love will live on in every life he touched.
