Eddie "Mac" McDonald

June 6, 1962 – March 21, 2021

Atik Dotem

It is with profound sadness that the family shares the sudden passing of Eddie at the age of 58 years at his residence in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Eddie was known as Mahengan in his younger days. He also went by Macano which was later shortened to just “Mac”. The family also jokingly nicknamed him, “Wrong Way” after he stole the puck away from an opposing team when he played hockey and scored on his own net.

Eddie was born to biological parents late Edna Martin and late Larry Boyd but he was raised by Roy and Matilda McDonald, both deceased. They loved him as their own and they instilled in him the traditional way of life, drumming and singing Pow Wow songs. Growing up, Eddie was a mischievous boy who was a jokester. He had many childhood friends that he kept in touch with throughout his life. Eddie always kept busy as a young boy. He loved to fish with his dad, blueberry picking with family and doing anything that involved outdoor activities. He loved spending time with his younger sisters. He left home to attend Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School in Kenora, Ontario. He never spoke much about his days at School but he always reminded the younger sisters how lucky they were that they didn’t have to attend School there.

Eddie travelled extensively within the treaty three territory, first nation communities in Manitoba, across Canada and across the border to attend Pow Wow’s with many of his buddies he met along the way. He could be found often at a Pow Wow, singing with many well-known drum groups. He would call family to let them know of his travels and always made a point to visit his friends and Pow Wow family no matter the distance. He loved to sing and share songs that were passed down to him from his McDonald family. Pow Wow’s were his life and he made it a point to be involved whenever there were protests. He had a good strong voice when he sang that he will be remembered by many. He admired the late Tommy White and enjoyed sitting at the drum sharing songs with him.

In his adult years, he made contact with his biological family (the Boyd’s) and they welcomed him into their family which made him happy. He visited as often as he could with them and vice versa.

He took pride to have completed a Chef’s Program in Kenora, Ontario and worked briefly at Best Western Hotel as a chef. He also worked various jobs to support his family throughout. Although he moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba years ago, he always came home to Wabaseemoong and picked up as if he hasn’t been away. That’s just the kind of guy he was. He was known for his for laughter, his sense of humour and easy going personality. He always had a story to tell from recent and long ago times.

Eddie joins his children; baby girl Autumn Rain and son Nathan. Biological parents; Larry Boyd and Edna Martin. Loving parents; Roy and Matilda McDonald. His siblings; John McDonald, Joe Boyd, Gabriel Boyd and Tommy Boyd. His nephews Richard Lee McDonald, Wayne Paishk, and Larry Boyd.

Left to mourn his passing are his children who were the world to him. Edna, Shannon, Joey, Kelly, Cleveland, Sharnell, Shanayah, Tyra, Jersey and Nevada. His pride and joys, his grandchildren; Scott, Marty, Dwight, Olivia, Brody, Kane, Kassidy, Tianna, Trista, Joseph, Evander, Jayden, Lanayah and great grandson Oliver. His brothers, Ron Roy McDonald (Lynda) and Corey Boyd. His sisters, Myrna, Elsie, Marilyn, Marlene (Rick), Patricia (Jeremiah), Mary (Randy) and biological sisters Rita Carpenter and Colleen Boyd. Many nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.

Our family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to Carolyn Carpenter who always checked on his well-being while he lived in Winnipeg. We also acknowledge all of Eddie’s friends for their friendship they had with him, young and old.

Although we will miss him greatly, his life’s work here is done. We will treasure his memory always.

Wake Service will begin on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 12 o’clock at Mizhakiiwetung Memorial School in Wabaseemoong, Ontario.

Traditional Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. with burial to follow. Service will be conducted by the Respected Ronald Indian Mandamin.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

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