Today Alex MacDonald Motors in Antigonish finally confirmed what has been the talk of the town the last while: their multi generational fuel business is closing the end of this month. And I am sad.
Joe and John MacDonald have been staples on the post road for decades. They run more than just a gas station. Their family business is such a blessing for this entire area.
You see, ‘the Irving on Post Road’ is far more than just a gas station. It’s the last hold out with full service gas – and I can’t be the only one who has literally driven out of my way, all the way across town, on a miserable day simply to take advantage of full service!! But think about that for a minute. I’m youngish and healthyish so I CAN pump my own gas year round. Think about the seniors or the disabled. Their lives were made a lot simpler in terms of fueling simply because Joe and John believed in providing incredible service to their friends and neighbours.
They’re also the best spot in town for propane. Because this is their livelihood, they are knowledgeable and more than competent when it comes to propane. I trust them when they tell me my tank is toast. They’re not trying to upsell me; they are trying to ensure my safety. Without question.
I remember decades ago I had a little black car that seemed to always have a slow tire leak. I had no business driving it when I didn’t know how to fill it!! However, where there is a will, there is a way!! Where there is an Alex MacDonald Motors, I could say! I lost count of how many times I pulled in and John or Joe would trudge over and help me fill it (I use that phrase loosely…usually they would tell me to park closer to the air and give them some room to get it done). And sometimes if I didn’t come for air, they’d still check the air pressure when I’d pop in just for gas! Their kindness and compassion and commitment to service shone through every single transaction!
Where else can you go to buy tickets for just about every thing on the go??? Need to put up a poster to advertise your not-for-profit? Joe and John would be sure to post and pass on the news!
My cousin Karen (who wasn’t technically my cousin but a cousin of a cousin…but we always called each other cousins) worked there while she was at St.F.X. at a time when you didn’t often see females working in gas stations. They were so very good to her and she adored them. When she died tragically young, Joe and John stepped up to the plate immediately and they became the sight for the Karen Lynn MacDonald Allergy Awareness Society’s annual BBQ every August! They let the Society take over their parking lot, bring in some tents and BBQs and live music and even donated a portion of sales that day every year to the organization! That’s just the kind of men they are.
Recently my Dad stopped in to their gas station; gave them $40.00 and drove away without getting gas. It was cash. Easy enough to chalk it up to a distracted customer. But not them. John tracked me down and asked me to call him. When he explained what happened, he said the money is safe here in the drawer whenever you or he wants to stop by to pick it up. Integrity in all they do.
I live pretty close by and in the summer, especially, we pop in there for ice AND maybe gingerale. Once, AND ONLY ONCE, I stopped in and there was no gingerale. No name brand; no sobeys brand; nada! Joe didn’t say much about it but never once did I stop in again for gingerale without finding some!
Anytime we lose a business in town, it’s sad. But when two of the very best people who are generous to a fault and who live authentic lives of service have to close? It’s hearbreaking. One more old school gathering spot that lives the nostalgic values of days gone by closing its doors. We don’t have many left.
Thank you gentlemen for your years of service; for your dedication to your community; for your compassion and generosity towards your customers; for creating a gas station that pulses as the heart beat of Post Road. We won’t say goodbye. We will say, we can’t wait to see what comes next for you both. You’ve supported so many of us over the decades, let us know how we can support you in the days, months and years to come!
