Ronald James MacDonald
Passed in: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Passed on: July 10th, 2014
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a wonderful Dad, son, brother, uncle, cousin and dear friend and colleague on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at the Rosedale Hospice, Calgary in the presence of family members.
Dad was born on Nov. 24, 1949 to Catherine (nee Gillis) and the late John J. MacDonald of East Bay. Above everything else, Dad was extremely proud of us, his children, Evan James (Sarah Martins), and Meagan Jane. Along with other family members and our mother Hannah, we mourn the loss of his astute wisdom and the precious guidance he provided to us.
He will also be greatly missed by his mother Catherine 'Kay' MacDonald of East Bay; his siblings Roddie of Sydney; Vern (Patricia) of Sydney; Marlene (Sheldon MacInnes) of East Bay; Joan of Calgary; George of East Bay; and Evelyn (John MacGillivray) of Calgary together with nieces and nephews Elizabeth Ann MacDonald of Sydney; Shaun MacDonald of Fort McMurray; and Catherine, Julia, and John MacGillivray of Calgary. He was also blessed to have many aunts and uncles including surviving aunts, Catherine MacLellan of Sydney; Irene Lefort of Antigonish; Bernie (Mary) MacDonald of Oshawa; Gloria (Brud) Youden of Sydney; and Jimmie (Josette) Gillis of Gillis Lake. As well, he is survived by numerous cousins in Canada, United States, and New Zealand, all of whom were very dear to him and provided much support to him.
Dad was a long-standing teacher and guidance counselor with the Calgary Catholic Board of Education, most recently serving as a guidance counselor at Bishop Grandin High School. After completing school in East Bay, he attended Xavier College, Sydney and St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish acquiring his Bachelor Degrees in Arts and Education. Later, he earned a Master of Arts in School Counselling Degree from Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington. He was involved in the teaching profession for over 40 years. The first several years were spent teaching at CFB, Bagotville, Quebec With his friendly disposition and easy engagement, Dad found himself being busy over the years with his community in Calgary, his church, and his work with students in and out of school. Family travel was also important including trips to Cape Breton, where he very much enjoyed renewing old and even making new acquaintances.
Dad was a loyal fan of the Montreal Canadiens. Among his other interests, he had a favourite spot for sports memorabilia and statistics, music, hockey and sports pools, walking our dogs, and just being with family and cousins. In earlier times, he was an avid fastball player and pitcher for teams in Calgary such as the Canyon Meadows Cats and various teams in East Bay. Dad coached us and also loved to watch us play sports such as hockey and soccer.
In later years and throughout his illness, Dad was favoured with tremendous support from many colleagues and other friends including those at his favourite pubs on Wednesdays and Fridays and coffee mornings at the Bonavista Promenade.
At this time, we acknowledge the great and compassionate care our Dad received from many and varied caregivers: the staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Clinic, the nurses at the chemo unit and, in particular, Dr. Vickers and nurse Bonnie; and finally the staff and volunteers at the Rosedale Hospice.
Dad’s family and we his children know he is gone. He will, however, never be forgotten!
The family is receiving guests at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Dr. S.W. Calgary, Alta.) on Monday, July 14, 2014 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 - 24th St. S.W.) on Tuesday July 15, 2014 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dad’s memory to the Palliative Care Unit of the CB Regional Hospital, Sydney. At a future time, a memorial Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Church in East Bay with his burial in St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery.
Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
In living memory of dad, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park, Calgary, AB by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.
