It is with heart-wrenching sadness that we share with you the news of the death of Tom MacDonald on October 12, 2009. This is a profound loss for many as Tom was the kind of man who cared for people so much that he would forget about himself.

Tom leaves behind his wife Carlina Stewart, daughters Kristy (Dan) Bruno and Sheandra Stewart, and his pride and joy grand-daughter Marissa Bruno. Also grieving this great loss is his mother Irene McDonald, brother Gerry (Barb) McDonald, sisters Anne MacDonald and Connie (Steve) Alger, and sister-in-law Lynn MacDonald. Uncle Tom was a favorite of his many nieces and nephews, they will miss him greatly. It was well known in our family that the very best gifts always came from Uncle Tom, the parents may have dreaded the loud and messy presents they knew were lurking under the tree but the kids always loved them. More importantly though he was loved for his ability to be fully present for them whenever they had a story to tell; he had a gift for listening to their stories with his full attention whether they were a toddler who only had a few words to repeat again and again or a teenager who wanted to tell him everything about her life while out on a fishing trip. Many heartbroken friends are also left behind as Tom had an exceptional capacity to be a friend. Indeed it seems every friend he ever had is still his friend and he always continued to make more.

Tom loved to be outdoors... hitting the highway on one of his Harleys, fishing at Edith Lake, skiing, dirt biking, kayaking with Carlina, or playing golf: the game that he loved to hate. He was waiting with excitement for the day he would be able to take Marissa to catch her first fish. We marveled at his joy in going ice fishing, but he knew you had to have just the right gadgets to enjoy a day on a freezing lake... including a portable DVD player. Definitely the reason he was such a great toy shopper is that he loved toys so much himself.

Tom placed a great value in family and loved to collect the artifacts and stories that document our history. There is a big hole in our family and in our hearts with his passing.

Tom was predeceased by his brother Mick, his Dad (Al), and many other Soucy and MacDonald relatives whom Tom had treasured in his memories.

Please join us to celebrate his life Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Summit Baptist Church, 1975 Summit Drive with Pastor Harry Bicknell.

In lieu of flowers, donations to BC Children's Hospital or the SPCA would be most welcome.

On-line condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com

Arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, telephone 250-374-1454.