December 15, 1930 – May 30, 2026
Walter Arthur MacDonald died on May 30, 2026, at the Turnbull Home in Saint John, NB. Walter was born December 15, 1930, in the small rural village of Welsford, NB where he lived and raised his family for most of his life near streams, forest and mountain which influenced his creative sensitivities. Walter’s choice of career and study reflected these influences creating beauty through hair design. For his entire working life Walter owned and operated a beauty salon in Fairville, today’s west Saint John. [Some of you reading this may have been one of his clients.] It was there that Walter met his wife of 62 years, Micheline Gadbois, who died November 1, 2024.
Walter and Micheline were blessed with the birth of their son and only child, Ian: the love of their lives together. Tragically, to the couple’s lifelong sadness, Ian passed away at the age of 22 losing his life in a mountain climbing accident.
In addition to his love of family, Walter’s other two passions were gardening and travelling. To this end, Walter’s home in Welsford and condo in Brentwood Towers boasted of flower beds designed and nurtured by Walter for many a season to the delight of other residents and visitors. Over the years Walter, Micheline and Ian travelled throughout Canada and the United States in their prized Air Stream trailer. They shared with family and friends many a tale of travel along Route 66, over desert, through prairies, along the Panama Canal as well as their adventures in Europe. Walter also had a special place in his heart for Cuba where he spent many a vacation both with family and with special friends from Ontario.
Walter will be remembered as a trusted treasurer on the Board of Directors at Brentwood where he served for many years. He will be remembered for his creativity and kindness. He will be remembered as a dapper but gentle man. He will be remembered as a gentleman. Walter will be missed. ‘’May flights of angels sing him to his rest” with his son and his wife.
Walter is predeceased by his wife Micheline, his son Ian, his parents Arthur and Edith, and his sister Betty.
Walter is survived by his sister-in-law Denise D’Aoust, bother-in-law Ian Gadbois, nieces Andrea D’Aoust and Cindy Hinton, nephews Richard and Allan Speight, and dear friends Anne Marie, Rick and Andrew Robichaud and Terry Comeau.
The family extends a deep and biding thank you to the caring, compassionate and kind staff of the Turnbull Home.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424). Private interment of Walter’s and Micheline’s ashes will take place at a later date beside their son Ian in Welsford Valley Cemetery.
