Obituary of Horatio Nelson MACDONALD

September 6, 1932 – Nelson, British Columbia
May 13, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Nelson MacDonald was born in Nelson, BC on September 6, 1932 and passed away in Calgary, AB on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at the age of 87 years.

Nelson completed his education in Calgary, graduating from Western Canada High School and then attending the Alberta College of Art (SAIT) where he took Commercial Art.

He founded his own business, Nelson MacDonald Design, with his wife Aileen.  Nelson was an originator of artistic illustration and design of building projects for presentations by contractors, and interior and exterior designs for City approval in Calgary.  Nelson designed many projects in the Calgary area, including many stores, hotel interiors and exteriors across North America, restaurants, show homes, Calgary Transit, and the Calgary Flames, to name a few.  Nelson even designed Calgary’s Rose Bowl float once, in the 1970s.  He also worked for American architectural firms in Miami and West Palm Beach, Florida.  They did many projects from New York for Florida and the Caribbean Islands, such as marinas and large residences.  He also got a project to do the illustrations for a golf club house for Disney World in Orlando.  This involved a trip to Disneyland in California where he was shown the construction of the Big Bear Band, which he found enjoyable.  Nelson loved to draw and was in-demand to draw cartoon scrolls for contractors and owners, which ended up in recreation rooms over the Calgary area.  He enjoyed his forty-four years in his company immensely.

Nelson was a huge sports fan.  He and Aileen were long-time season ticket holders for both the Calgary Flames and the Stampeders.

Nelson is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-nine years, Aileen. He is also survived by his brother Angus MacDonald (Audrey predeceased); sisters, Margaret Jean (Ken) Samuelson and Kathleen MacDonald; sisters-in-law, Jane and Evelyn MacDonald; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Neil and Margaret MacDonald; sister Florence (Bill) Owens; and brothers, Malcolm and Norris MacDonald.

A Private Funeral Service will be held.   In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Calgary, 800, 7015 Macleod Trail S.W., Calgary, AB  T2H 2K6, Telephone: (403)290-0110, www.alzheimercalgary.com.   Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Nelson’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

Our thanks to the doctors and staff at the Rockyview General Hospital, and to all at the Amica Britannia Senior retirement Centre for their wonderful care.

In living memory of Nelson MacDonald, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB, T2E 2V6,   Telephone: 403-243-8200.