Obituary of Robert A McDonald

May 27, 1918 - April 22, 2010

Bob was born in Moyerton, Alberta, May 27, 1918 to Mae and Alex McDonald.

He is survived by Helen, his loving wife of 66 years; son, Terry (Marilyn); grandchildren, Robert McDonald, Rossi Zacharias (Michael), Bobbi Jo Coldwell and Kristi Coldwell; great grandchildren, Haylee and Mikayla Zacharias; and Kristi's special puppy "Mugsy". Also survived by nephew Dawson Wallin and his family; niece and nephew, Myrna (Heaton) and Rod Gadd, and their family; and nephew and niece Randy and Carol McDonald and their family. Bob is also survived by many special friends. Bob was predeceased by his parents; his loving daughter, Wendy; sister and brother-in-law Helen and Bill Heaton; brother and sister-in-law Neil and Linda McDonald; and niece Muriel (Heaton) Wallin.

Bob was raised on the family farm near Paradise Valley, Alberta, where he received his schooling. After several years on the farm, Bob spent time working in Yellowknife and in Kimberley, before enlisting in the Calgary Highlanders in 1942. Bob and Helen were married in July of 1943 before Bob was shipped overseas to serve for two-and-a-half years in England, France, Holland, Belgium and Germany. After the war, Bob and Helen came to Kimberley and Bob worked for 35 years for Cominco.

Bob was a great family man who enjoyed renovating and updating the family home and fretting over his lawn and flower gardens. He was a driving force in the Kimberley minor hockey association and coached Terry and his teammates for more than 10 years.

He began skiing with Wendy in the mid-1960s and he soon became a passionate and skilled skier. His group of skiing buddies were known for more than 20 years as the "Rat Pack". After a fresh snowfall, he was determined that his tracks be the first on the hill. Wendy was the only family member who could keep up with him, although he was always happy to encourage others.

Some of his best times were spent in Cranbrook having coffee with Wendy and playing with Bobbi Jo and Kristi.

In the summer, Bob and Helen spent many years fishing and trailering at White Swan and Premier lakes. Bob also enjoyed riding his bicycle and became a familiar sight on the roads between Lower Blarchmont and the Platzel for many years.

After his stroke in 2008, Bob spent the rest of his time at the Pines nursing home in Kimberley, where he made many friends and received special care.

Funeral services will be held at the Kimberley United Church Saturday May 1 at 2 p.m. Lunch will follow at the Kimberley Legion Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory can be made to the Pines Special Care Home, 386 - 2nd Avenue, Kimberley, British Columbia, V1A 2Z8.

 

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com