John Edward “Ed” MacNider

SACO – John Edward “Ed” MacNider passed away on Sept. 8, 2025 — fittingly, the very day he always joked was “Preparation for Trash Day.” True to form, Ed managed to keep life running on his own schedule. He leaves behind enough tools to open a small shop, a well-tended garden, and a community of dogs who will forever wonder where their next cookie is coming from.

Born in Montréal, Quebec, Ed later made his way to Ottawa, Ontario, where he worked as a dedicated schoolteacher with the Carleton Board of Education for more than 25 years. In 2016, Ed and his beloved wife Nancy—married for 50 years—moved to Ocean Park, Maine, the place where they first met as children, spent their summers, and were later married at the Ocean Park Temple. There, he continued “teaching” in his own way: sharing gardening wisdom, offering home-improvement advice (often while “supervising”), lending tools, and perhaps most importantly, starting his mornings on the beach with his dogs—never forgetting to hand out cookies to all the neighborhood pups.

He delighted in puttering around the house, taking pride in preparations for trash day, tending to his garden, and sneaking in naps with one of his dogs by his side. Though he was quick with kindness and humor, Ed also had a well-known crab apple streak that made his honesty unmistakable and his presence unforgettable. And through it all, he was rarely seen without his trademark blue jeans full of dog cookies.

A lifelong sports fan, Ed cheered passionately for his Ottawa Senators and Toronto Blue Jays, and always found joy in watching hockey, baseball, and football—while catching a good nap during part of a game.

Ed’s life was marked by a deep appreciation for simple joys: a well-placed nail, a flourishing plant, a good game on TV, and the loyal companionship of his dogs. He will be remembered not only for what he taught and built, but for his pockets full of dog cookies and poo bags!

Ed now joins his beloved wife Nancy in Heaven, along with their many furry friends who were waiting with wagging tails—and a bin full of cookies to be handed out.

He is survived by his son James MacNider of Ottawa, Ontario, daughter Tracy MacNider of Saco, Maine; grandchild Maya MacNider of Ottawa, Ontario; and grandpuppy Woodie, who affectionately called him “Grandpappy.”

A small Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday Sept. 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Urn Garden at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 293 Beach St., Saco, ME 04072. In true Ed fashion, guests are asked to come in their blue jeans and carry a cookie in your pocket for the next dog you meet—because let’s be honest, he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

In lieu of flowers,

the family requests donations be made to the:

Ocean Park Association

P.O. Box 7296

Ocean Park, ME 04063-7296 or to:

the Animal Welfare Society

P.O. Box 43

West Kennebunk, ME 04094