Obituary of Alan Stratton Macdonald

Alan Stratton Macdonald (November 20, 1938–February 8, 2025)

Alan Stratton Macdonald was born in Glasgow, Scotland. He earned his BSc in geology from the University of Glasgow in 1962, after which he worked as a field geologist for the governments of Tanzania (1962-65) and Kenya (1965-67). He then moved to Canada where he worked as an exploration geologist and completed his PhD at the University of British Columbia in 1973. He subsequently taught geology at Chiang Mai University in Thailand for three years before settling in Grand Pré, Nova Scotia. There he balanced his time raising two sons, continuing his research, teaching at Acadia University, and fulfilling his life-long aspiration of farming his own land. He provided a loving home for generations of horses, goats, geese, chickens, cats, and dogs.

Alan leaves behind his wife and geological research partner, Sandra Barr; their sons and partners; five grandchildren; nieces and other relatives, all of whom were inspired by his gentle caring nature, commitment to fairness, and love of the outdoors. To the end, Alan was an independent-minded and hard-working Scotsman.

At Alan’s request, no funeral service will be held. Memorial donations may be made to the Valley Hospice Foundation, Kentville, NS. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, Coldbrook Village Park Drive, Coldbrook, NS B4R 1B9 (902) 679-2822.