John L. MacDonald, lifelong resident of Woodstock, passed away peacefully on Jan. 30, 2026. John was born June 2, 1950, in Rutland, Vt., to Leslie J. MacDonald and Elizabeth (Salisbury) MacDonald, who predeceased him. John was very proud to be a true Vermonter.
John lived a full life at “the farm” for all his years, except for college where he attended Castleton State College, pursuing a biology degree, and Boston University, where he studied photography. He was schooled in the Woodstock school system, where his father taught and was also the principal. Many childhood friends were made that remained over his 75 years.
In his younger days, John hitchhiked across county and landed in North Dakota, where he worked at a large cattle farm owned by his sister-in-law, Carol MacDonald’s family, a memorable experience. He also worked at the Farm and Wilderness Children Camp in Plymouth, Vt., teaching outdoor skills, survival, camping, and outdoor adventures to kids of all ages. Many years later some of those campers would visit him at the farm to reminisce and show admiration.
John enjoyed farming, known locally for growing the best corn, raising pigs, chickens, and cows. John also worked at the Woodstock Union High School for many years, first driving a school bus and later he began work as a paraprofessional, working with children on a one-on-one basis, he was skilled at this and admired. John enjoyed music, he was a beautiful singer and played guitar. John was well loved by his community and known locally for his stories and yarns, as he would call them.
He leaves a son, Jamie A. MacDonald of Woodstock; and brothers, Russell K. MacDonald of Richmond Hill, Ga., and Robert G. MacDonald, (Lindy) of Woodstock; along with three nephews and a niece. In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by Russell’s beloved wife, Carol MacDonald.
The family would like to thank the town of Woodstock for caring for and helping John navigate through his dementia, as local community members, including the Woodstock Police and Emergency Services gave a great deal of time and compassion to John. The family is also very grateful to his caregivers, Arnalyn and Michael Asis, for the kindness, attention, and tender care they gave John.
Cabot Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements. The date and time of the service, which will be held at the Episcopal Church in Woodstock, will be announced soon. In lieu of flowers, John would likely want you to give to a Charity of your choice or walk around a summer hayfield and watch the cows, an animal that he particularly cherished.
