Obituary of Ronald Joseph MacDonald

MacDonald, Ronald Joseph - After a long and full life Ron passed peacefully into the arms of his loving saviour at home with his wife Anne at is side on May 14, 2021 at the age of 98 years.

Ron is survived by his wife: Anne (Penner, Sawatzky); two sons, step-son, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law: Rob, Doug, Doug Sawatzky, Steve Sipos, and Charlene; Grandchildren and Step-Granddaughter: Brett and Corey (Robbie-Lynn) MacDonald, Drew, Hayley, and Erin MacDonald, Kristen Sipos; one great grandchild, Ness; Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law: Jake (Anne) Penner, Irene Sawatzky; and niece and nephew: Mary Jane (Enn Kurm) and Peter (Maureen).

Ron was predeceased by his parents: James Roy and Cecilia MacDonald; siblings: Duncan and Aneas; wife: Elsie (Frier); children: Ronald Mark and Barbara Ann (Sipos); daughter-in-law: Donna (McKay); step-son: James Sawatzky; and nephew: Ron (Eleanor).

Ron was born in Alexandria, Glengarry County, Ontario and spent his youth in Sioux Lookout Northwestern Ontario. The vigorous life in northern Ontario suited and nurtured Ron’s athletic and competitive nature. That nature was evident in his many athletic pursuits of his youth: swimming, race canoeing, hockey, boxing, football; and well into his later years: bowling, badminton, golf, cycling, and the return to swimming well into his 80’s.

Ron enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy during WWII and the experience imprinted many lasting and enduring qualities to his character.  With the end of the War Ron returned to Northwestern Ontario and followed in the vocation of his father, Roy and older brother, Dunc and apprenticed to be an electrician.  That trade eventually brought Ron to McKinnon Industries in St. Catharines where he settled and raised a family. 

Those decades of work and family brought Ron much joy and occasional sorrow but through it all Ron’s Christian faith maintained his joy of life, his kindness, and gentle nature. Qualities he would pass on to his children and grandchildren. Through his faith and church Ron meet Anne and together they would share and support each other happily for the next 33 years of his life. 

Ron’s family would like to thank HNHB LHIN – Niagara, Veteran Affairs, and the many caring medical professionals that supported Ron and family so that he could spend his final weeks of life at home surrounded by family.

Given COVID restrictions a small gathering of family and burial service will be held May 17^th at Victoria Lawn Cemetery.