Obituaries
Donald Martin McDonald
January 08, 1926 - February 18, 2021
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Obituary For Donald Martin McDonald
It is with sad hearts that the family of Donald Martin McDonald, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of the Crystal Creek area, announce his passing on Thursday, February 18, 2021, at the age of 95 years.
Don was born in the Grande Prairie Hospital on January 8, 1926, to Jock and Jennie McDonald. He grew up on the family farm east of Grande Prairie with his siblings Lena (Jack) Moon, Bruce (Helen) and Margaret (Keith) Ladwig, which was homesteaded by his folks in 1911. Don went to school at Crystal Creek across from the homestead. He would come home for lunch each day. In Grade 10, he went to town to the Grande Prairie High School, and when he went home for lunch one harvest day, he never went back.
He met Nancy Hutt at Pellerin’s Ice Cream Social, and they were married June 18, 1954.
He was always a farmer, and in the early years, he horse logged in Clarkson Valley, ran a gravel crusher at Keg River and was a partner in Ken’s Trenching for 30 plus years. He actively farmed with Nancy and his family until 1990 and never missed co-piloting a combine during harvest until this past year. Don and Nancy lived in their farm home until Don was 90 years old. They had a summer home at Sturgeon Lake, which they greatly enjoyed with family and friends; as well as their winter home in Yuma, AZ.
Don was loved and respected by many. His reflective nature and many years of life experiences gave him a special depth of wisdom. He loved to tease and be teased and especially enjoyed a good practical joke. His chuckle and little grin when you “got him” will be greatly missed. His handshake was his word.
Don is survived by his partner and wife of 66 years, Nancy; children: Alex (Shelley) McDonald, Brenda (Lionel) Thomson, Barbara (Jim) Fitzpatrick, and Everett (Tina) McDonald; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; as well as special family Don and Cherrill Elliot.
He was predeceased by his parents, Jock and Jennie McDonald; sister Lena Moon; brothers in-law Jack Moon and Keith Ladwig; and sister in-law Helen McDonald.
The family plans to hold a Celebration of Life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
The family wished to thank the staff on 5 North at the QEII Hospital and the staff at Prairie Lake Hospice.
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