Obituary of Donald Raymond MaGee

April 15, 1952 – January 15, 2025

Donald Raymond MaGee (Don/Donnie), 72, of Pleasantville Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at South Shore Regional Hospital on January 15, 2025.

Don was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Family was everything to Don and he made family the centre of his life. He had an incredible work ethic and always led by example. He was always there to help his family, friends and co-workers accomplish their goals in life.  He was someone you could lean on and come out better on the other side.

Born in Saint John, NB on April 15, 1952, Don was the oldest of Harold and Audrey (Beyea) MaGee’s four children. He grew up on the family farm in Hampstead, NB and graduated from Oromocto High School. After a few months at UNB studying history, Don decided he needed to explore his options more fully before settling into a career. He found his passion in the financial world at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.

After his initial training in Saint John, Don moved to Halifax where he worked as an auditor. During an audit at CIBC on Quinpool Road he met the love of his life, Vanna Hirtle. They were married on May 6, 1978, in Cornwallis, NS and they never looked back. It was on their first transfer together to Moncton, NB where they bought their first home in Riverview and started their family. Three daughters later, Michelle, Becky and Sara, Don knew he was outnumbered, but he loved every minute of it. 

Don had a long and successful banking career. Twenty-eight years with CIBC, where he held positions in Halifax, Moncton, Charlottetown, Amherst and Fredericton. Then he joined the team at Royal Bank of Canada for eleven years, working in Kentville, Bridgewater and New Germany, before retiring in 2014. Don worked hard throughout his career to develop professionally, achieving various qualifications, including Certified General Accountant. Don was a hugely respected manager and leader, with an inspiring and supportive style and a genuine passion for helping his co-workers and customers.

Don also brought his valuable skills and knowledge to local community activities, from coaching his daughter’s softball team to being an active member of local rotary clubs to serving on the boards of various community organizations and leading many fundraising activities. Most recently he helped fundraise for the Brighter Days capital campaign for the new wing of the South Shore Regional Hospital.

Throughout his life, Don had many hobbies. He was an avid reader, especially enjoying a good crime novel. He loved to golf and enjoyed many trips to Myrtle Beach with his friends. He was always listening to music, cultivating his girls’ love of music from a young age. He enjoyed a fine glass of red and was a self-taught investor who loved helping family and friends with their taxes and finances.

Don loved spending time with his eight grandchildren who will all remember Grampy fondly for his funny jokes, playing games together on the iPad and sharing candy when their parents weren’t looking. Much like his daughters remember their Grampy, Don’s father, who obviously taught him well. Don’s grandchildren brought him so much joy. He also enjoyed travelling the world with Vanna and his friends, ticking off his bucket list, having taken many trips to Europe and in North America since he retired.

Don is survived by his wife, Vanna (Hirtle); his three daughters, Michelle (Stuart) Borland, Becky (Andrew) Tunstall and Sara (Tony) MaGee-Lantz; his eight grandchildren, Sloane, Charlie, Jules, Rory, Isla, Malcolm, Aubrey and Sawyer; and his siblings, Joan (Blair) Urquhart, Anne (Jackie) Marr, and Carl (Rose) MaGee. He was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Audrey (Beyea) MaGee.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held at Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater, NS, on Saturday, January 25th from 2-4 pm.

The family would like to thank everyone at South Shore Regional Hospital who have always been there during their times of need. Specifically, Doctor Johnson, who was so patient and supportive during a very difficult time. Also, the nurses who cared for Don, Evelyn, Sarah, Julie, BreAnne and Alex. They were all amazing and Don’s family will forever be thankful for their care.

Donations are requested in lieu of flowers. The charity is your choice, however some thoughtful places to consider are the South Shore Regional Hospital or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater, where online condolences can be left at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.