Obituary of Ron MacDonald

It is with appreciation for a life well lived that the family announces the peaceful passing of Ron MacDonald, of Fredericton, NB, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital on May 5th, 2021. Born in Moncton on September 5th, 1939, he was the son of Victor and Marjorie (Adams) MacDonald. Ron’s passion was classical music. An accomplished violinist, Ron was one of the founders of the now called Fredericton Symphony and proudly held the title of Concertmaster for 41 years. Ron impacted the lives of many young, aspiring musicians, as a violin and viola instructor both privately and at the University of New Brunswick until 2020. Ron also played viola in Symphony New Brunswick. Ron became close friends with two of the world's greatest violinists: Joseph Szigeti and Alfredo Campoli. He attended Joseph Szigeti’s 80th birthday party in 1972 at Chateau de Chillon in Switzerland and often visited Alfredo Campoli in England. A prized possession of Ron’s was one of Alfredo's violins. Ron retired from a distinguished career as Professor of Philosophy at the University of New Brunswick in 1999. He graduated from Mount Allison University in 1960 with First Class Honours in Greek and Philosophy, receiving the Tweedie Gold Medal for the highest standing in the Faculty of Arts. He was chosen to be one of ten Canadians to participate in Crossroads Africa where the group constructed a school in a small village, Locodjoro, on the Ivory Coast. On return from Africa, Ron attended Dalhousie University and completed M.A. in Philosophy in 1961 before attending Pine Hill Divinity Hall Atlantic School of Theology. He furthered his study of Philosophy at University of Western Ontario before joining the Philosophy Department at UNB. Ron will be deeply missed by his family Elisabeth Schaap MacDonald, Iain (Carey), Megan; grandchildren Sutter, Kaleb Gray and Jadon Gray, sister Jean Crooks (Roland Crooks) and several nieces and nephews. A memorial concert will be held at a future date.