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ALVIN BRIAN (AB) MCDONALD Obituary pic

ALVIN BRIAN (AB) MCDONALD

Born: Feb 18, 1936

Date of Passing: Sep 04, 2018

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ALVIN BRIAN (AB) MCDONALD February 18, 1936 - September 4, 2018 It is with appreciative and loving hearts that we announce the passing of our husband, father and pillar of our family, Alvin Brian (Ab) McDonald at the age of 82 years. Ab passed away, peacefully at his home in Winnipeg, after a short illness surrounded by his loving family: wife Patricia, of 60 years (nee Stogan), daughter Cindy (Keith) East (Derek and Rebecca and son William, Cody and Gina Staples), son David (Jennifer) McDonald (Brittany and Alyssa), daughter Lori (Bruce) Koke (stepson Corey and daughter Claire), son Steven, and daughter Kristina (Kurt) Gottfried (Ryan and Rachel). The youngest of seven children, Alvin was born in St. Andrews, Manitoba on February 18, 1936 to Edith and Robert McDonald. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings: Stanley, Phyllis, Ronald, Alfred, Edith and Marlowe. The McDonald family spent most of their childhood in the Weston area of Winnipeg where Ab attended Cecil Rhodes Elementary School and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. Ab was an outstanding athlete and sportsman, and turned this passion into a long career in hockey. Ab began his hockey career as a junior with the St. Boniface Canadiens (MJHL) before playing with the St. Catherine Teepees (OHL). He would spend the next two years in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Rochester Americans before advancing to the NHL where he would spend the next 14 years. During this time, he played more than 800 games for the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, the St. Louis Blues and also became the first captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins. During his career, he also won four Stanley Cups in four consecutive years, 1958, 1959 and 1960 with the Canadiens, and 1961 with the Blackhawks. He chose to spend the last two years of his professional hockey career in the WHA, in his hometown, as the first captain the Winnipeg Jets. During this time, he also remained a dedicated husband to the love of his life, Patricia Stogan, with whom he recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. Ab's greatest pride was being a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and uncle to his many nieces and nephews. He encouraged and supported each of his children and grandchildren in every way and they will cherish their memories of him. Ab was seen as a hockey symbol to many but will always be remembered by his family for his hearty laugh, strength, kindness and generous spirit. He will be missed for his endless storytelling, guitar playing and hosting parties in the basement of his St. James home. To support his family throughout the off season, Ab worked at Robin Hood Flour and Molson's, and once retired, he opened up Ab & Suds Rentals with close friend and former teammate Bill Sutherland. He ran the store until his final retirement in 1996, which allowed him to reconnect on a regular basis with his boyhood friends, shooting pool at the Legion and playing golf. Throughout these years, Ab continued to be active in the hockey world, coaching and volunteering his time with many organizations, including Special Olympics, and his love for hockey was a priority as he travelled with the NHL Old-timers for many years - most notably, his 1979 trip to Russia. Ab was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame. He was also awarded the Order of the Buffalo Hunt. The family would like to extend a huge thank you for the love and support from everyone who phoned, visited, and messaged during this time. We would also like to thank Dr. David Breckman, assistant Nicole, as well as Tammy, Ab's Palliative Care Nurse who provided comfort and care, just like a member of his family would. We are forever grateful. A celebration of Ab's life will be held at Canad Inns Destination Centre Polo Park, 1405 St. Matthews Ave., Winnipeg, MB on Tuesday, September 11, 2018, at 1:30 p.m., followed by a luncheon. Flowers are graciously declined as donations can be made to the newly created Ab McDonald Foundation, through the Winnipeg Foundation, which will have a focus on education and sport accessibility for youth in the Weston area. E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 08, 2018

Condolences & Memories (16 entries)

  • So sad to hear of Ab's passing. I was lucky enough to have him as a Memphis Wings teammate when I broke in to pro hockey back in the mid '60's. He was always helpful & supportive, showing the ropes to all the young guys. A true pro and a gentleman through & through; a guy we all admired & looked up to. Rest easy, Ab. -Gregg Pilling - Posted by: Gregg Pilling, Edmonton AB (former team mate) on: Sep 17, 2018

  • My sincere condolences to Pat and the entire McDonald family. My parents (Chuck and Trudy)and the McDonalds had many great times together (with Ab on the guitar). He was such a great guy and will be sadly missed. - Posted by: Charlene Sambrooke (Sabo) (Family friend) on: Sep 13, 2018

  • My deepest condolences to Steve and the family. Ab was introduced to me the first time early 90’s when he came to my sons hockey banquet at the Governor General's house. Brought the boys signed pictures and one of his Stanley cups. The boys were 12 I believe and this meant everything to them. My daughter was teamed up with Ab at a charity golf tourney mid 2000 and she was ecstatic about that. In 2016, Ab and Steve played in the Darci Instance Foundation’s Charity Golf Tournament that we host. Always a pleasure to see one of the finest gentleman I know. Rest In Peace Mr. McDonald - Posted by: Connie Instance (Friend ) on: Sep 12, 2018

  • Ab was my Wednesday golf partner for the last 10 years, and a finer gentleman I have never known. I have hundreds of memories, but the one that defines Ab in my eyes is this one. The first time my youngest daughter met Ab it was at a charity golf tournament where he was one of the "celebrities". Lindsay introduced herself and Ab threw his arms around her and gave her a big hug. Lindsay called me that night and said "Ab made me feel like I was the celebrity". Farewell Captain, Bob MacDonald - Posted by: Bob (friend) on: Sep 12, 2018

  • Our sincerest condolences to Pat and family, we shall miss spending time with him at the Hall of Fame dinners and his sense of humour. A very gentle man. - Posted by: Doran and Don Sewell (Friends) on: Sep 12, 2018

  • Ab was one of the best. A smile for everyone. - Posted by: Bob Holliday (Friend) on: Sep 10, 2018

  • Our deepest condolences go out to Pat and her family. Ab was just about the kindest, gentlest and most caring man I know. It is a great loss and I would like to extend our prayers and love from all of our family 💕Diane - Posted by: Diane Zoratti (Second cousin) on: Sep 10, 2018

  • Send our condolences, remembering all the great memories of Ab and Pat. Ab was such a wonderful, kind, loving person, he will be missed. - Posted by: Gary ,Dyanne and Daryl Zoratti (Family ) on: Sep 10, 2018

  • A Dear friend and always a friendly ear. I will cherish our golf games and long conversations of hockey of days gone by. People like you are rare my friend, You will be sorrowly missed. Just maybe you'll hook up with Stan and Jean again. Till we meet again pal, keep your stick on the ice. With Love & Respect , Billy. - Posted by: William McCartney (Friend) on: Sep 10, 2018

  • My condolences to the McDonald family! I had the pleasure of playing junior football with Steve, but met Ab many, many times over the years through various events and sports things. I found both Ab, Steve, and family to be very, very respectful and nice people. I am unable to make the celebration of life, due to a previous engagement, but am sending my deepest sympathy and condolences at this difficult time. Cameron Ducharme - Posted by: Cameron Ducharme (Friend of son Steve) on: Sep 10, 2018

  • We were inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame together and always referred to ourselves as the future as the "Class of 96". A kind, humble and gentle man who always had time for his many fans and friends. He will be missed. Dennis Nord - Posted by: Dennis Nord (Friend) on: Sep 09, 2018

  • I want to Thank You AB McDonald. God Bless you & I am very happy I met you. Now that you're in the Spirit World it's time to Celebrate your LIFE on the other side. Love & Hugs Sue - Posted by: Sue Hnatiuk (Lamont) (Dear Friend (hopefully)) on: Sep 08, 2018

  • Our condolences to Pat and family on the loss of Ab. He will be profoundly missed by all. -Wayne and Karen Evans R.I.P. - Posted by: Wayne Evans (Friend) on: Sep 08, 2018

  • Great hockey player. Wonderful singers guitarist. SuperBowe host with Pat. Greatest smile I've ever seen. Lee. Ivan - Posted by: Ivan LeMesurier (Friend Fan) on: Sep 08, 2018

  • May your many memories comfort you during the days & months to come. He was a humble man. Condolences, Ed & Barb Anderson - Posted by: Ed & Barb Anderson (Acquaintance ) on: Sep 08, 2018

  • Abe was a very good friend to me. The world has lost a great man. My thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Herman Kehler (Friend) on: Sep 08, 2018

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