Obituary of Rob MacDonald

November 26, 1948 – Regina, Saskatchewan

January 12, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

Robert “Rob” MacDonald of Airdrie, AB, passed away on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at the age of 76 years, with his family by his side.

Rob was happy no matter what he was doing.

He loved spending many weekends at the hockey rink with a mocha in hand or at the baseball diamonds, rarely missing a chance to cheer on his kids, even if it meant travelling all day. 

He loved quiet days at home reading, but he was always up for an adventure, whether going to the mountains, tailgating on a day of geocaching, or getting up late at night to watch the aurora or meteor showers.

He also enjoyed woodworking and photography. No matter what was going on, he didn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand.

Family was everything, and he never said my children or my stepchildren; it was always just “my kids.” His heart was full of love for them all.

He also loved travelling to Disneyland, San Francisco, Alaska, a Civil War trip, and Ireland. One of the biggest highlights of his life was a trip to Scotland and his excitement to meet newly found relatives. He also enjoyed visiting as many distilleries and castles as he could. He hoped one day to visit again; however, this wasn’t meant to be.

Rob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.  His passing leaves a deep hole in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be remembered for his quick wit, sharp sense of humour, relentless use of puns, and the unmistakable sparkle in his eyes.

Rob was predeceased by his parents, Chuck and Louise, and his brother, Hugh. He was also predeceased by his first wife of twenty years, Vivian MacDonald. 

He is lovingly remembered by his three children, Meghan (Trevor) Michalezki, Sean (Caitlyn), and Brennan (Caitlin), along with his cherished grandchildren, Miley, Aiden, Claire, Rose, Neve, and Wrenne.

Rob will be deeply missed by his wife, Shirley, and her children, Kerry (Christopher) Connelly, Andrew (Rechelle) Fehr, and Wendy (Dustin) Waskul, along with Shirley’s grandchildren, Isaiah, Isabella, Xyrel, Joshua, Brooke, and Lily.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB) on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. MacDonald’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Parkinson Association of Alberta, 120, 6835 Railway Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2V6 Telephone: (403) 243-9901, www.parkinsonassociation.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Robert’s family here.

In living memory of Robert (Rob) MacDonald, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB T4B 3L8, Telephone: 403-948-1100.

Click Here to Sign the Digital Guest Book and Watch Rob's Funeral Service