John Jamieson Donaldson Sr.

John Jamieson Donaldson (age 90) of Toronto, Ontario passed away on May 25th, 2026. He was born on May 4th, 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland. His final day was blessed by the presence of his six children Angela (Patrick), Robert (Bev), John (Genevieve), Michelle (Carl), Deirdre (Ryan), and Michael. He passed in the presence of his beloved wife Patricia. He was Pappa or Grandpa to twelve grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his sister Jean and survived by his sister Helen, and his many nieces and nephews in Scotland.

John was a socialist from his earliest days in Glasgow. His passion for social justice for working people was expressed in his trade union activism. In his various positions as President of the Ironworkers Local 721, Vice President of the Ontario Federation of Labour, Construction Co-ordinator at the Workers Health and Safety Centre, and Labour Representative on the Employment Insurance Board of Referees, John formed alliances with like-minded people within the trade union movement, and beyond, to fight for better wages and safe working conditions. He saw the importance of promoting trade union history and worker education to inform workers of their rights to a safe working environment and to refuse unsafe conditions. He was a skilled negotiator and was not afraid of taking risks or confronting opposition. He was kind and generous with his time and gave his full attention to any situation with care, charisma, and a great sense of humour.

John was a loving father, brother, uncle, grandfather, husband, and friend. He lived a colourful life and entertained us with stories of his adventures. He loved to cook and feed a crowd. He loved to be in his garden in High Park, usually accompanied by his canine companions, George, Murphy, or Sophie. His carpentry work still graces many of our homes. His love of Scotland never faded. He was an ardent Partick Thistle FC fan. Frequent visits between Scotland and Canada have enriched and solidified the family connection.

We wish to thank the many health professionals who looked after John over the years, and especially the doctors, nurses, and PSW’s at Princess Margaret Palliative Care Unit, for the high-level professionalism and compassion of their care in John’s final days. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in John’s memory.

Visitation will be held at Giffen-Mack & Trull Funeral Home, 2570 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON, M4C1L3, CA, on June 13, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Giffen-Mack & Trull Funeral Home, 2570 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON, M4C1L3, CA, on June 13, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm.