Obituary of Roy McDonald

May 25, 1936 - Edmonton, Alberta

December 3, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Helen Keller

(Albert) Roy McDonald, beloved husband of Linda Keeley, passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023 in Calgary, AB.

Roy was born on May 25, 1936, in Edmonton, to Margaret and Rancford McDonald. Roy was the only child and the first grandchild, and this set the path for him to accomplish anything he set his mind to.

Roy lived well and laughed often. His wit, sense of humor and love of puns were legendary. Roy could just as easily turn a joke onto himself if he thought it would make someone laugh, and then laugh right along with them. Roy had so many stories to tell and often repeated them over and over to all who took the time to listen.

Roy’s work ethics were the same as those in his personal life. Roy cared about people and was well respected for his kindness, patience and love of humor and good times. At seventeen he began a career in broadcasting which lasted for twenty years, before working in the moving industry.

When Roy wasn’t reading a book, or collecting music, he accomplished so many titles that it is hard to share them all. He was the director of Ronald McDonald House, a director of Special Olympics and a director of ACT, to name a few. Roy loved and produced many community events such as Miss Teen Calgary and Chinook Stampede Breakfast for eighteen years. He was regularly invited to speak at local clubs in the Calgary area, sharing his knowledge and engaging others in his topics. Roy loved skiing and took in many slopes all while “working” as a director of promotions during his radio career.

Family was truly Roy’s passion. Roy cherished each person in his family, and diligently made an effort to spend time with each of them bettering their day with patience and love and a whole new array of fun activities.

Roy will be forever missed by his devoted and loving wife Linda, their sons and families, Cameron, Paul (Sarah), and Jodi; and cherished grandchildren, Levi, Josh, and Alex (Jenna). Roy was predeceased by his parents, his son Rob, and many extended Family and treasured Friends.

A special thank you to the Calgary EMS, the ER staff and doctors of the Foothills Medical Centre, for their valiant efforts to keep Roy with us long enough for his family to be with him during his final hours. You are true heroes, and forever in our hearts.

To all of you, our family and friends, words cannot express our gratitude for all your kindness, phone calls, and gifts. Your words of encouragement, your friendship and appreciation of Roy have helped us immensely. Roy would have been very humbled to know so many of you cared so much, thank you!

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Roy’s family here. The family requests, those who wish to express sympathy, to consider making a donation to the Calgary Public Library Foundation, in memory of Roy McDonald, Calgary Public Library Foundation, 800 3^rd Street SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0E7, 403-221-2002, libraryfoundation.ca

In living memory of Roy McDonald, 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.