Sydney, NS
July 6, 2024
At 77, and with his loving family and dearest friends by his side, Stephen MacDonald staged his final production on Saturday, July 6, 2024.
Known and loved as “Beak” to many, Stephen was born in Truro and grew up in Sydney.
After earning his BA at Dalhousie University and teaching out west, Stephen returned home where he dedicated himself to building and shaping Cape Breton’s music industry. He worked for many years producing and promoting music and theatre, and was a guiding hand in over 50 albums, including producing the Rankin Family’s early work and several of his own compilations. A few of his many productions include the Cape Breton Summertime Revue, the Centre Bras d’Or Festival of the Arts, and the East Coast Music Awards. He was on the board of Celtic Colours International Festival, and later the interim manager of the Savoy Theatre.
Stephen felt most at home at his family cottage in Ingonish, where he spent his summers swimming in the Atlantic Ocean and entertaining family and friends. A lover of language, he was a natural storyteller, known for his humour, wit, and quick repartee. A family friend once said Stephen had “a glib tongue.” He loved travel—going to the theatre in the West End of London and spending winters in Cuba and Florida, reveling in rum and the sun.
Stephen is survived by his partner in life, Debbie Corkum; his stepson, Simon Corkum (Lyndsie Bourgon); sisters, Nancy Blanchard-MacDonald (Andrew MacInnis) and Nora (George) Fraser; brother-in-law, Nick Hoekstra; nephews, Peter, Jock, and Drummond; nieces, Caroline and Jen; beloved aunt, Mary Blanchard; and many cousins, close friends, and admirers.
He was predeceased by his sister, Susan Hoekstra; his father, Henry Blanchard; his mother, Mary Marsh; and his stepfather, Gordon “Scotchie” MacDonald.
His family thanks the nurses and doctors in the An Cala Palliative Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, and family doctor Robert Hodson.
In lieu of flowers: drink a margarita, eat some prime rib, and donate to the Ralph Dillon Award, which supports upcoming Cape Breton artists, by emailing ralphdillonaward@gmail.com.
Celebration of life will be held at a later date.
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