Obituary of John Patrick McDonald

McDonald, S/L John Patrick, CD (Ret’d), RCAF, beloved husband of Edna May, passed away peacefully in Calgary on Monday, July 20, 2009 at the age of 89 years. Pat was born in Vancouver, BC as the only child to John MacDonald and Bridget Sheehy. As a young man, Pat was an accomplished and well-rounded athlete. He spent much of his boyhood outdoors. He played hockey for Mr. Patrick of the Patrick Division of the NHL and felt blessed for having Stanley Park as his “own” backyard. Pat enlisted in the RCAF in July of 1941 and after bombing and gunnery school, joined the war effort as a pilot based in England. After the war, he continued his career with the RCAF and relished the opportunity to fly many different types of aircraft and a diversity of dignitaries including Canada’s Governor General. Throughout his air force career he was given numerous decorations although he always felt his greatest reward came when he met and married his English war bride, Edna. After many years and many homes, Pat and Edna left the RCAF to retire in England. There, he began his second career as a historian with the Ministry of Defence (Air) and the Cabinet Historical Office. While helping to declassify captured Luftwaffe documents, he worked with and became friends with many including some former WWII adversaries. After his second retirement, Pat and Edna moved back to Canada to join their Calgary family. It was here that Pat showed everyone the true joy of retirement – time, which he used to expand on his love of learning, reading and writing. He combined his interest in steam locomotives, railway engineering and his historical knowledge to write histories for the Stephenson Locomotive Society (GB) and edit for local railway publications. Despite his interest in an amazing diversity of topics, what Pat most enjoyed was the company of family and friends who relished his wonderfully funny and interesting stories about past adventures. Beside his beloved wife of sixty-three years Edna May, Pat is survived by daughters Marlene (Rick) Wing, Kathie (Bob) Booth, Dana (Bernie) McIntosh, and son Mike McDonald. He is also remembered by his cherished family, Seth, Riley and Jocelyn Wing; Cameron and Olivia McIntosh; Tom (Holly) and Jeff Booth; Carina (Trevor) Huggins, Leigh McDonald and their mom Catherine; and great-grandson Nevin Wing. The family offers heartfelt thanks to the remarkable staff at Chinook Hospice for their care of Pat and support for his family. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church (8944 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queens Park Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.