Angus MacDonald, 77, dies
Angus L. MacDonald, 77, died peacefully at home in Vernon, N.Y., on April 16, 2024.
He was born in Port Hood, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, in 1947. The son of Annie and John B. MacDonald, he moved to Buffalo, N.Y., in 1963, and then to Vernon, N.Y., in the early 1980s, but always kept a warm and close connection to his Cape Breton family and home.
He leaves his best friend and partner of 42 years, Peg Gioseffi; beloved children, Heather and Scott; brother, Colin; sister, Mary Greenaway; and many nieces and nephews, and their numerous children, who all adored their Uncle Angie. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Peggy (Jerome) Bellemore; brothers, Jack and Hughie; and nephew, Jack Jr.
Angus was an award-winning trainer and driver of Standardbreds, racing successfully at tracks across North America.
He was an inveterate fixer of anything with moving parts and a man who thoroughly enjoyed people. He was a trusted and loyal friend to many, always looking for the best in people. A true Cape Bretoner, he had a way with words, a good story, or a timely joke.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption Program in Oxford, N.Y. (PHSAP.org).
A Celebration of Angus’ life and friendships will be held at Vernon Downs, the Nothing Fancy Country Rock Saloon, and in Port Hood, at later dates to be announced.