In memory of
David Joseph Francis Macdonald
January 16, 1948 -
June 25, 2022
Died peacefully, surrounded by love. Devoted son of Catherine Mildred (nee Johnson) and Martin Finn Macdonald, who raised him and his five brothers with love and faith in Montreal, Edmonton, and Toronto. Beloved husband of Jody (Geraldine) for 46 years, and her one and only for many more. Cherished and unconditionally loving father of Liane (Avi), Kristen (Mark), Andrew (Jenn), and Joana (Jamie). Adored Papa to Leo, Joshua, Arthur, Caroline, Sophie, James, Elle and Emily. One-of-a-kind brother to his fellow “big boys”, Stephen and Bob, and the somewhat better behaved “little boys”, Tom, Andrew and Paul. Son-in-law to the late Marie and Ray Midghall. Brother-in-law to Moira, Ellen and the late Lise Anne Macdonald, the late Terry Borczon (Walter), and Kevin Midghall (Woody). Uncle, friend and late night bonfire companion to his nieces and nephews, Kaeli, Michael, Mark, Colin, Erin, Katie, Brendan, Ryan, Meagan and Matt, and their partners and progeny.
David majored in bridge at the University of Windsor and went on (with Jody’s encouragement) to a rich and rewarding teaching career. He gave of himself generously to his students and fellow educators, and he forged special friendships on the teaching staff at Madonna, and enjoyed coaching, taking city kids on Outer’s Club excursions, and supervising the Madonna and Cham students on Model United Nations trips.
David was a gentle but slightly rebellious hippie; a folk music aficionado; an athlete and kinaesthetic learner; an Outward Bound-er and outdoor enthusiast; a cyclist; a sun-seeker; a conversationalist; a Deloraine cup veteran; a hockey fan and sometime minor hockey “stats man”; a devotee of Thunder Beach walks with his poles and Georgian Bay ablutions; an avid follower of the weather; a wearer of layers; a keeper of unusual sleep habits; a non-judgemental and spiritual being; a purveyor of wise life advice; a lover, not a fighter.
Most of all, David/Dad was an ever-present and supportive spouse and parent. He focused on people, relationships, and enjoying the simple experiences that make each day special. He spent his life’s precious time with people he loved, doing things he cared about, in his own inimitable way. If he got in a walk, a bike, or better yet, a swim in the lake or a special visit with friends or family: this was what he would call a “bonus”.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Matthew Cheung, John and the whole Odette team, and the other health professionals who cared for him so well for many years. Thank you also to the excellent CRCU/ICU and Palliative Care teams at Sunnybrook who cares for him more recently, including Drs. Tien, Sevigny, Piquette, Fowler, Kamani, Zamir and Selby, and many excellent nurses (including Reginald and Cassandra) and observers (including Favor).
Visitations will take place Tuesday, June 28th, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., at the Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre (375 Mount Pleasant Road). Family is requesting that masks be worn.
Funeral Mass on Wednesday, June 29th at 12 noon in Blessed Sacrament Church- 24 Cheritan Avenue. Family is requesting that masks be worn.
If desired, donations may be made to the Canadian MPN Research Foundation at
https://www.cmpnrf.ca/about-the-canadian-mpn-research-foundation.