Donald MACDONALD

Obituary of Donald Robert MACDONALD

November 24, 1924 – North Battleford, Saskatchewan
February 7, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

At 9:20 AM February 7, 2021, Donald Robert (Bob) MacDonald left this world to join his beloved wife Dode and resume their cherished journey together.  Bob led a long and eventful life filled with accomplishment by anyone’s definition. 

Born in North Battleford, SK on November 24, 1924, Bob was raised along with his two brothers, James and Vincent, in the idyllic Saskatchewan village of Meota where he enjoyed the outdoor life and culture that is unique to rural Saskatchewan.  Bob remained in Meota until grade twelve when he travelled to Saskatoon to finish high school and prepare for his university years.  Following high school in 1943, Bob volunteered for the Royal Canadian Air Force where he served until the end of the Second World War.  After the war, Bob returned to Saskatoon and the University of Saskatchewan where he earned a professional degree in Agricultural Engineering.  Bob paid his way and put himself through engineering school by working his summers in the mines in Flin Flon, MB.  Bob’s work ethic and commitment propelled his later career and professional life.  

Upon graduation, Bob diligently travelled the cold snowy country roads of Saskatchewan as a farm implement representative for Massey Ferguson until he was lured to H.M. Trimble and Sons to begin a career that culminated in his serving as Vice President of trucking giant, Trimac Transportation Ltd. based in Calgary, AB. Bob’s success at Trimac brought him and his beloved wife Dorothy (Dode) to Edmonton and later Calgary where Alberta became their adopted home.  They embraced everything Calgary had to offer but they remained true children of Saskatchewan.  Upon retirement, Bob and Dode built a log home on the shores of beautiful Jackfish Lake in Meota.  They enjoyed many long springs and summers at Jackfish and it became a wonderful refuge for the entire family – a place of gatherings and fun for children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.  Bob taught us to love Saskatchewan and for that, he will always be the life of the party in our family.

Bob met his wife, Dorothy Mary Lawrence (Dode) at the Pavilion Dance Hall in Meota in 1939.  They were both just in their teens but this began a lifelong romance that remains an example for us all.  They were married on August 11, 1951.  Bob and Dode, together, taught this family about the importance of family and leadership.  

After retirement, Bob and Dode travelled the world but always came home to Meota and Calgary where their growing family eagerly awaited their return.  After Dode’s death on October 10, 2009 Bob spent his last years at the Lake Bonavista Seniors Residence and finally the Southview Extended Care facility in Calgary.

Bob is survived by his three daughters, Barbara (Gerry), Joan (Greg), and Patti (Tom); five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.  Bob indeed left a superb and admirable life and what a legacy he leaves of love and of family. We miss you already, dad, more that we can ever say. 

A gathering will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Bob’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Bob MacDonald, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.
 

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