November 3, 1929 – February 27, 2024
With heavy hearts and much sadness, the family of Donald (Don) McDonald announces his peaceful passing on February 27, 2024, at the age of 94. Don will be forever loved and remembered.
His spirit will live on through his children, Joanne, Gary (Rita), Ken (Heather), Gail, Allen (Yves), and Neil (Laurie); grandchildren, Brett, Jillian (Kody), Deanne, Neill, Kristen (Andrew), Katie, and Allie; great-grandchild, Olivia; and special “adopted son”, Ken Chalmers. He will be fondly remembered by his younger sister, Margaret, with whom he was very close.
Don was predeceased by his wife, Esther and his grandson, David; his parents: Angus and Margaret; as well as his three brothers: John, Roderick, Andrew; and his sister Mary. Don was born and raised on a small farm just outside of Red Deer in the Ridgewood District. Life on the farm was not easy but there was always fun to be had judging by his many stories about his pranks at school and get-togethers with neighbors. Don trained as a plumber and as a young man joined the Army as a reservist. He married Esther Paetz and they moved to a house they had built in St. Albert in 1958. Don was still living in that same house at the time of his passing which was his ultimate goal. Don was a founding member of the Knights of Columbus in St. Albert and joined St. Albert’s volunteer fire department. After a workplace injury, Don moved into mechanical estimating, retiring at 65. No sooner had he retired than he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but he did not let that stop him, doing what was needed for treatment and returning to part-time work to keep himself busy, working well into his 70s for Arnold Jol who became a lifelong friend. Don’s sense of humor and jokes, his outgoing nature, and his friendly personality were his trademarks. Don was also known for his kindness, his unrelenting persistence, and his unshakeable positivity.
The care provided by Dr. Doug MacIver was beyond extraordinary including home visits when Don could not go into the clinic. Our deepest appreciation goes to Dr. Doug and the team at Solace Medical Clinic for their care of Don for many years.
We would also like to recognize the expert advice Don received from pharmacist Ashley Davidson and her team at Shoppers Drug Mart Pharmacy Mission Hill. Along with Ashley, Thuy, Melvin, and Tracey were always on top of Don’s needs.
A special thank you to Dr. Sandha of the University of Alberta and the nurse navigators in the EPIC program, Glynis and Margie, for their advice and support as Don dealt with bile duct cancer diagnosed in July 2023.
The support and understanding of WCB and his case managers Jim Trotter and Camille Manning helped Don remain in his home until his passing along with his Nurse Anytime caregivers Shirley (affectionately the “third daughter”), Elaine, and Adriana, who became like family to Don. Their extraordinary care and compassion were appreciated beyond words and we are forever grateful to them.
Finally, a special thank you to Dr. Christopher Lin of the Family Medicine Department at the University Hospital who caringly and compassionately guided Don’s care through his final days. We were incredibly fortunate to have had Dr. Lin look after us.
A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Albert Funeral Chapel, 9 Muir Drive, St. Albert.
Don loved the outdoors, fishing, and animals. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that you consider a donation to the Edmonton Humane Society, the Alberta Conservation Association, or to a charity of your choice.
Thank you everyone for your care and concern. We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers.
To send condolences, or to view Don’s service, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com.
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
St. Albert Chapel
(780) 458-2222
