I too have just found out about Nelson's passing and wish to send my deep condolences to Aileen. I had the pleasure of seeing Nelson's talents and wonderful sense of humour on display on virtually a weekly basis starting in 1989 until not that many years ago, through his work on an architectural control committee for a Calgary-based land developer, where he would review and provide thoughtful and detailed sketches on literally hundreds of house plans for homes in various residential developments. This meeting was often a highlight of the week and others in the office would wonder what was going in the 'meeting' with all the laughter going on in the boardroom!

Nelson was also tapped for various other design tasks, such as sketches on event invitations, neighbourhood entrance features and decorative development walls, and his legacy will live on in many Calgary communities. It is doubtful that any other human being will ever come along with the amount of talent and personality that Nelson had and he will be greatly missed!

Aileen, I am so very sorry to hear of Nelson's passing. I've only just found this out today. My condolences to you and your families! Nelson was a special man who will always be in my thoughts. I enjoyed 25 years of working with him, learning from him and seeing his bright smile each week! Hugs to you! Shavonne Doell

so sorry to hear of Nels passing. He designed special napkins for me when I was having a birthday as a child. Many happy memories, visiting the relatives in NW Calgary, when we came in from Kimberley to visit Grandma and Grandpa MacKenzie. He and Aileen stopped in and visited with my Dad and I, after my Mom had passed anyway, and what a wonderful visit we had. Sending our lover to the MacDonalds, from the Molander family.

Cherylynn Harvey Molander

Horatio Nelson MacDonald, September 6, 1932 - May 13, 2020

In 1962 Hugh Elsam, Sales Manager of E. L. Ruddy, Toronto invited Nels to meet with the Art department to show them a new way of presentation. He illustrated this with a large sign on the Imperial Optical Building in Toronto, complete with buildings, vehicles and people. (The usual way was to show only the sign to the client.) Of course Nels's presentation created more impact for the client. I was one of those artists present. It changed everything for us. For me it paved the way for future excellence and success. Furthermore, Nels showed Easterners how gracious and professional Westerners are and he became an instant inspiration, much admired. That Western trait was further confirmed when I lived in Edmonton a few years later. I will always remember him with fondness and will always be grateful to him for showing the way.

Stephen Douglas Head

Nels it is with sadness today that Don and I just learned of your passing. Our thoughts and prayers go to Aileen and all the Macdonald family. Our memories go back to when we were neighbours growing up in north west Calgary - what a joy that time was! Kathy and I could be little pests when some of Nels creations one of which was the little village he built outside. Loved those days!! Thanks to Nels also when he and others painted our car for our honeymoon allowing us to hide the car in the Macdonald's garage for a safe get away. Over the years Kathy has kept us in the loop and once in a while we would run into MJ and Ken at Tim Hortons. Thanks to al the Macdonalds for being part of our life, such a special and talented family they all are. Wilma and Don Gathercole

It was with sadness that I learned of Nel's passing. He was a wonderful man with so many artistic talents.

His design work was known, admired and sought after throughout North America

I recall him designing an apartment for me on 17th ave, It had a purple fire place and gold leaf on the walls. More my bad taste

than a reflection on Nels. I recall his involvement on my behalf in politics, He was always interested in the news and kept up to date on the political landscape. His love of the flames hockey team brought him to every game with hist friend and fellow work mate Aileen.

He was so very generous with his time and during the years he and Aileen lived in Riverstone Apartments he served on the Boards and offer his valued services in the interior design of that complex. He was a gentle soul with a big heart. He will always be remembered fondly.

Nels was a genius. He grasped what the client wanted... and needed... and presented brilliant art and design... time after time... year after year. Always good natured. From billboards, to business cards. From advertising to marketing. From architectural to decorative... from commercial properties to residential communities... Nels nailed it. Respected throughout North America. Teamed with Aileen, Nels always delivered... on time... on budget... and a joy to work with. From one 88 year old, to another... I'll miss you.

John Francis

Dear Aileen

My most sincere condolences to you. Roz and I are grateful to have known you and Nelson all these years. Nelson first started providing his design services to Paragon in 1964. It was the start of a friendship and terrific business relationship.

My thoughts are with you

Take care

Norman Steinberg

Dear Aileen,

I had the pleasure of meeting you both in my volunteer capacity at Amica Britannia Retirement Centre where it was such a joy to have you and Nelson join in my Wednesday afternoon singsongs. My clearest memory of your husband is of that terrific smile of his, but the immense talent he possessed was always evident in the sketches he would share. Through my own husband's work I have had a connection with Calgary's Development and Building industries for about forty years so can grasp the importance of Nelson's contributions to the growth of our city.

With deepest sympathy,

Claire Clark

Dear Aileen ~ my condolences to you. I'm so sorry to have read about Nelson's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him at Markbourgh Properties. He was such a pleasure and so talented. He would make us laugh with either a story or a cartoon during the architectural meetings that we had once a week. He always had a smile on his face and that is how I will remember him. Take care and stay well.

Irene Patton (Vulfs)

Dear Aileen,

Just a brief note to let you know how very sorry I am to have read the news today about Nels passing...He was a wonderful man, extremely talented and made an enormous contribution to both design and architecture around the world. He will be dearly missed.

I so appreciated the opportunity to work with Nels and you at the beginning of my interior design career.

My sincere condolences to you and your family...my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jim Taipale