REVEREND CANON HAROLD G. MACDONALD

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

THE REVEREND CANON HAROLD G. MACDONALD With great sadness we announce the death of the Reverend Canon Harold Gould Macdonald. He died Monday, December 14, 2009 at the Selkirk General Hospital with family by his side. Harold was born in Edmonton on March 24, 1928. He attended Shawnigan Lake Boarding School on Vancouver Island from the age of eight. School holidays were often spent playing golf with his family. Harold loved the sport and shared happy hours on the course with many. He might have chosen to be part of the family construction business, but Harold felt a deeper calling. He attended Trinity College in Toronto to become an Anglican priest. At that time he met his wife Frances Waight. Married in 1954, they began their life together in Edmonton at St. David's. Harold's career took him to Church House in Toronto where he used his gifts in education. During that time, Harold attained a Master's Degree at Yale University with family in tow. They then moved to Frances' home city, Winnipeg, to the parish of St. Luke's where Harold's innovation and visionary thinking took hold. Music was an integral part of his faith. Alongside numerous fine choirs, directors and organists, Harold worked to bring the joy of music to many. This included Duke Ellington's Easter Concert at the Winnipeg Concert Hall and Harold's creation of The Joyful Noise taped music sets for use in small parishes. In 1974 Harold became chaplain at St. John's College, University of Manitoba. Subsequently, his passion for social justice prompted him to enter politics and he became a Winnipeg City Councillor serving nine years. Concurrently he presided as interim or assistant priest in the parishes of All Saints, Holy Trinity and St. George's. Next Harold and Frances' adventurous spirits took them to parishes in Yukon and Saskatchewan. To Frances' chagrin Harold finally had an excuse to drive his motorcycle long distance! He made the trip from Matlock to Whitehorse several times. Harold retired to the family cottage on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, which he loved, and there his creativity burgeoned through writing, song and poetry. Harold's community continued to grow by way of the internet and included many correspondents including Bishop Desmond Tutu. His dozens of writings and poems can still be found on the Highland Shepard website. He was also able to live as a Franciscan more fully. Harold was a brilliant presence, a maverick who challenged everyone around him to reach higher, go deeper and live honestly. His indomitable spirit, unwavering faith in God and love for his wife and family carried him through life and now peacefully into death and the light. Harold is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Frances Macdonald, daughters, Susan (Denis Mager), Mary (David Wood), Nancy (Stephen Atkinson) and son Harold Macdonald (Ariane). Also his grandchildren, Olivia Mager Macdonald, Marta Macdonald, Amory and Manny Wood and Amelia and Abigail Atkinson. He will also be missed by his nephews, nieces and many dear friends. The family wishes to thank Dr. John Rabson, Dr. Chapnick, Dr. Aljafaree, Dr. Du Preez, and Dr. Fuchs for the wonderful care that Harold received. And also the staff at the Selkirk General Hospital who so considerately supported Harold and his family. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund pwrdf@pwrdf.org or to the charity of your choice. A service will be held at St. Luke's Parish, 130 Nassau Street, on Monday, December 21 at 10:30 a.m. NEIL BARDAL INC. (204) 949 2200 nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 19, 2009