Obituary of Alan Stuart MacDonald

Alan Stuart MacDonald of Calgary, AB, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at the age of 51 years.

Alan was born at the General Hospital in Calgary, AB on July 25, 1972. He had a truly generous spirit, even at the earliest years of his life.  He was always sharing what he had with his friends, even if he had little himself. 

Alan had a deep love for animals, and almost always had at least one cat and/or dog.  He could never say no to a stray, and almost all of his beloved animal companions were strays or rescues.

Alan developed a passion for computers and programming at a young age, starting with his Vic-20 in the early 80s.  He would spend hours typing in computer programs from various magazines and books, and self-taught himself programming on numerous platforms throughout the years.  As “The Mad Hermit”, he ran one of the biggest and most popular Commodore 64 BBS systems in the world.  When the Internet became available to the public, he developed a successful career with his coding and multi-media skills.  Even when his programming days ended, his love for computers and electronic gadgets never dwindled.

Stemming from his passion for computers, he loved all things video: video games, cartoons, historical docudramas, reality TV, and the like.  One of his very favourite programs was Ancient Aliens, and he would spend much of his free time researching conspiracy theories to satisfy his desire to know what was true and what was not.

He will be remembered for many things: his animals, his computers, his video games and conspiracy theories, but he will be most remembered for his unwavering generosity: he was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.

Alan is survived by his older brother John (Vicki) MacDonald of Shaunavon, SK, his mother Elaine MacDonald of Calgary, and his love Courtney McConnell of Calgary, as well as his nieces Marian and Elizabeth MacDonald, nephew Logan Smith, and numerous cousins. Alan was predeceased by his father Ian MacDonald of Calgary in 1979, and will be laid to rest alongside him.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 2:30 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Alan’s family here.

If friends so desire, in lieu of food or flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14^th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca or an animal charity of your choice.

In living memory of Alan 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.