Malcolm MacDonell

Malcolm R. MacDonell

Malcolm R MacDonell of Kenora passed away peacefully on March 5, 2014 with his family by his side. He was 92 years old. He lost his wife and our mother Pat in 1990 and mourned her deeply. He was predeceased by his sisters Catherine and Edna, and brothers James, Andrew, Allan and Robert.

He is survived by his seven children: Roderick and his wife Denise; Alan; James and his wife Teresa; Sheila and her husband Bill Horseman; Malcolm (Gus) and his wife Barbara; Shannon and her husband Ryan Ellard; and Patti. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jim; Arwen and partner Jacques; Robert; Andrew; Michael; Ian and wife Bronwen; Patrick; and Elizabeth. His nieces and nephews share in our loss and in our grief.

Known as Mack by family and friends, he led a rich and eventful life, not unmarked by hardship, but full of challenges and rewards. He was the youngest child born to Captain James MacDonell and his wife Christina (née Lang) in Lakeside and lived there all his life. As a young man, he worked on the lake with his father, hauling booms to the mill. During World War II he served in the navy on HMCS Ottawa. At the end of the war he returned to Kenora and found work in the woods division of Mando. When he met our mother, Patricia Jean (née Atcheson), he returned to town and found a job in the paper mill, eventually rising, through hard work and study, to the position of stationary engineer, second class. Mack and Pat built a home on Seventh Avenue South where they raised their family, and saw them all succeed in their lives. He retired from the paper mill in 1989.

In retirement, he found joy in carving classes, and became proficient in carving birds. He was proud to be a member of the Kenora Golf and Country Club, where he had caddied as a boy under Jack Vernon. In his latter years, he was often seen on the sidewalks of Lakeside with his faithful black lab Sam by his side.

Thank you to the Meals on Wheels volunteers who checked in on him daily. Thank you also to the staff of 2 East who were very kind and patient, and Dr Cynthia, who always treated him with respect and understanding.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring. Mack always appreciated his visits with friends and family who came to see him, and therefore, in lieu of donations or flowers, please spend some time visiting an elderly relative or friend.

Mack MacDonell was a real gentleman who always tried to do his best by others and was never mean-spirited or small-minded. We will miss him, and always be proud of him.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS