Obituary of Ronald Richard MacDonald

May 6, 1951 – Calgary, Alberta

January 31, 2022 – Cochrane, Alberta

Ronald (Ron) Richard MacDonald, beloved husband of Laura MacDonald (nee Wilkin), of Cochrane, AB, passed away on Monday, January 31, 2022 at the age of 70 years.

Ron graduated from Ernest Manning High School, and obtained a BSc in Mechanical Engineering and a diploma in Chemical Technology. He started his career with Esso Resources in Edmonton where he devoted seven years to the development of directional drilling. Ron gained international recognition for drilling the world’s longest horizontal well at the time. From Esso, Ron moved on to work as drilling technical specialist for different companies. For a time he had his own drilling consulting company, Lauron Engineering Ltd. He concluded his career with the Alberta Energy Regulator. One of Ron’s career highlights was working to bring Peace River Oil Company’s No. 1 well, the longest running blowout in the history of oil production, finally under control.

Ron loved getting out to the mountains to hike and cross-country ski with family. He always had a keen interest in cars. He raced go-karts in his youth, ice raced cars, and worked on restoring old sports cars. In his later years he loved working with his son, Brad, to create designs for off-road vehicle modifications. His greatest pride was his family. He always had time to devote to his children and grandchildren. His family made a yearly vacation trip to Sun River, Oregon where they would bike and swim. In his retirement, Ron enjoyed woodworking. He designed desks, built his grandkids a play kitchen, and even helped with some basement renovations.

Besides his loving wife, Laura, Ron is survived by his children: Paul (Susan) MacDonald, Brad (Nicole) MacDonald, Amy (Miles) Miller as well as his five grandchildren: Ethan and Alex MacDonald, Emma VanderLeek, and Elliott and Winston Miller. He is also survived by his sister Raelene Robertson of Comox, BC.

Ron was predeceased by his parents, Joanne MacDonald (nee Lacmuth) and Harold (Mack) MacDonald, as well as brother Donald MacDonald.

A private funeral service will be held. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Ron MacDonald, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.