In memory of

Brian Scott MacDonald

June 6, 1939 -  November 19, 2019

After a short illness, Brian passed away peacefully at North York General Hospital on Tuesday November 19th at the age of 80. Pre-deceased by his wife Marnie (nee Young) who passed away in 1985, he will be lovingly remembered by his children, Heather and her son John, David (Krystyna) and daughters Margaret, Katherine and Victoria; and Michael (Kimberley) and son Alexander.

A retired Colonel who after graduating from Royal Military College with an Honours B.A. proudly served in the 4th Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, and subsequently in the 7th Toronto Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery Regiment. Brian finished his active career as the Commander of Toronto District. After completing an MBA (with Distinction), he became the Executive Director of the Canadian Institute of Strategic Studies, President of the Atlantic Council of Canada and President of Strategic Insight Planning and Communications, editing and authoring several books, and enjoying the opportunity to appear on television as a military analyst during the Gulf War in the early 1990s.

Brian is also a retired English and Theatre Arts teacher, who enjoyed the arts and had a love of history and researching his family’s ancestry. A great story-teller with a hearty laugh, Brian was a great inspiration to his family, friends and colleagues.

Visitation will be held at York Funeral Centre, 160 Beecroft Road, North York on Friday November 22nd from 5pm – 9pm. On Saturday November 23rd, there will be a second visitation from 1 pm – 2 pm, with service to follow at 2 pm. Interment will take place after the service at York Cemetery and a reception will be held after burial at York Funeral Centre.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Guestbook 

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EVAN BACK (family friend)

Entered November 20, 2019 from toronto

Our thoughts and best sentiments are with Michael and his family during this time of sadness and loss. Please accept our sincerest condolences.

Evan and Germaine

John Thompson (Soldier and Employee)

Entered November 21, 2019 from Edmonton

Brian meant a lot to me, both as the Colonel heading Toronto Militia District who hired me as his intelligence officer, and as my boss at the Canadian Institute of Strategic Studies. Every encouragement, every chance to grow, every chance to learn -- and every chance to see his own mind at work. He was a mentor in every sense.

He was an extraordinary man in many ways, and I will always hold him in the highest respect.

Michel and Yves (Michael Acquaintance)

Entered November 21, 2019 from Toronto

Evan mentioned that your Dad passed away this week. We are sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.

Michel and Yves

Donald McKenzie 

Entered November 21, 2019

Ave atque vale, Colonel

Bill Kalogerakis (Former CO of 7 Tor Regt, RCA)

Entered November 22, 2019 from Whitby

I was very sorry to hear of Brian's passing. He was a true gentleman and a friend of the corps. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Bill Kalogerakis
Former CO of 7 Tor Regt.

Photos 

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