McDonald, William “Mac”
William “Mac” McDonald passed on peacefully on March 17, 2012, at the age of 94. Born in Elgin, Scotland on September 15, 1917 Mac came to Canada with his family as a young boy to settle in Roland, Manitoba. Many years later, in 1958, as a husband and father, Mac moved his family to Vancouver and it was here that he came back to, after spending many happy years living in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island, at the end of his life. Blessedly, his son Kent McKinnon McDonald was with him as he let go of his long and spirited life. Mac’s three daughters: Carol Irene, Donna Alexis and Janice Ellen, all, will remember and be thankful for the rich and humorous times spent with their dad these last few years. “Grumps” has left eight beautiful grandchildren: Tavis, Todd, Luke and Laura; Teura; Andrea; Aiden and Reghan and five great-grandchildren: Devin, Connor, Alea, Riley, Rowan and Mina to carry on the McDonald traditions. Mac’s generosity to friends and community organizations helped many families enjoy the Christmas that he hoped for every child. Mac loved dogs, cooking, hiking, gardening and of course tennis and hockey. The service that Mac gave to the Royal Canadian Air Force remained one of his greatest sources of pride and accomplishment throughout his life. The joy in Mac’s passing is that he has rejoined the love of his life – Irene.
Hark when the night is falling
Hear! Hear the pipes are calling,
Loudly and proudly calling,
Down thro’ the glen.
There where the hills are sleeping,
Now feel the blood a-leaping,
High as the spirits of the old Highland men.
Far off in sunlit places,
Sad are the Scottish faces,
Yearning to feel the kiss
Of sweet Scottish rain.
Where tropic skies are beaming,
Love sets the heart a-dreaming,
Longing and dreaming for the homeland again.
Towering in gallant fame,
Scotland my mountain hame,
High may your proud standards gloriously wave,
Land of my high endeavour,
Land of the shining river,
Land of my heart for ever
Scotland the brave.