DONALD JACK MCDONALD (DON)

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DONALD JACK MCDONALD
Sunrise: May 15, 1946 -
Sunset: December 31, 2022

It is with great sadness, but boundless gratitude for our time with him, that we say goodbye to a truly wonderful man, Don McDonald - beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend - who suddenly passed away at the age of 76.
Don was preceded by his parents, Jack and Gladys McDonald, and an infant son in 1976. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 50 years, Sandra McDonald (nee Ehnis), his sons, Mark (Laura) and Scott, grandson Mason, his sister Lynne (Gerry), along with his nieces and nephews, Cathy, John, Mike, and Christine, and their families.
He spent nearly 40 years in service to the public, proudly serving as a police officer in the RCMP for over two decades (1968 to 1990) followed by almost 20 with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (originally with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) as an investigator from 1990 to 2007. Don was diligent and thoughtful in his duties, but also sincerely enjoyed the many collegial relationships he formed throughout his careers. He was particularly proud of his accomplishment in advocating for and subsequently developing the RCMP's Rural Crime Watch program in Manitoba.
Don was an endlessly curious and inventive man who spent many hours tinkering away in his basement workshop. He delighted in improving upon the physical world around him, building clever solutions by repurposing everyday objects in countless and unique ways. He was also meticulously organized, the master of notepads, signs, and sticky notes, a true credit to his professional training. A place for everything, everything in its place, and one of everything (plus two spares!).
The family cottage in the Whiteshell Provincial Park was Don's paradise while on Earth, where he enjoyed 27 summers in Manitoba's bucolic splendor. It was the best of two worlds: a place of peace and relaxation, removed from work and city life, but also a place to tinker in his boathouse workshop and around the property. He relished every moment spent with family and friends over the years.
Above all, Don was a kind and loving soul, a devoted family man who cared deeply for his wife, sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchild. Don was a fighter throughout his life: overcoming adversity of losing his father when he was young; standing up for what was right in his professional career; taking good care of his family; and, tackling the physical challenges of aging head-on. He was also generous with his attention and support, always 'at the ready' to help others. Quick with a humourous remark, Don will be fondly remembered for his mischievous smile and the glint in his eyes when joking with others.
You may have departed, Dad, but you will be forever remembered and loved. Rest well in eternal peace.
Though there be no more tomorrows, we cling to all the yesterdays with joy in our hearts...
Respecting Don's wishes, he was cremated and a Celebration of Life will be organized at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Don's family encourages donations in his name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the charity of choice for those wishing to honour his memory.

For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit: www.chapellawn.ca
Chapel Lawn Funeral Home
(204) 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 07, 2023