GORHAM – Gilbert “Sonny” Dennis MacDonald passed away July 7, 2011, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice Home, Scarborough, after a short illness. He was born Oct. 19, 1939, in Kilburn, New Brunswick, to Kenneth W. MacDonald and Lavina M. McCartney.
Sonny was very much a people person and a good neighbor. He worked in sales at Humpty Dumpty Potato Chip Co. for 37 years and then at Home Depot for seven years. Sonny enjoyed spending time outdoors and with family and friends, especially at family reunions and the Swallow’s camp. He used his talents repairing furniture and restoring older homes.
He was predeceased by his parents; brother, Robert MacDonald; sister, Anna Canam; and grandson, Seth Michael Fitzpatrick. Left behind to cherish the memories of Sonny are his wife, Lois; sister, Marie Graham; sons, Michael and wife, Wendy, and Gilbert Scott; daughter, Karen and husband, Michael Fitzpatrick; grandchildren, Ian, Adam and Brenna MacDonald, Nicholas and Emily Fitzpatrick; many close nephews and nieces. His family was very dear to his heart.
A celebration of life will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, July 14, at United Methodist Church, 28 School St., Houlton, with the Rev. Naomi Sam-Kpakra and the Rev. Linwood Arnold of Gorham officiating. Sonny will be laid to rest alongside his grandson, Seth Fitzpatrick, at St. Mary of the Visitation Cemetery. There will be no visiting hours. Friends and family are welcomed to gather at Houlton United Methodist Church after the interment for a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Seth Fitzpatrick Memorial Scholarship Fund, care of Michael Fitzpatrick, 354 Bangor St., Houlton, ME 04730; United Methodist Church, 28 School St., Houlton, ME 04730; Cressey Road United Methodist Church, 67 Cressey Road, Gorham, ME 04038 or Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, 11 Hunnewell Road, Scarborough, ME 04074. Arrangements are under the guidance of Independent Death Care, 660 Brighton Ave., Portland. To offer words of condolence to the family, sign a guest book and share memories, go to the obituary page at
www.independentdeathcare.com.