James T. McDonald

James "Terry" McDonald

October 2, 1933 - February 23, 2012

With his family by his side, Terry passed away peacefully at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital on February 23, 2012.

He leaves to mourn, his wife of 55 years Maureen and four daughters: Tara Anderson (Michael) of Winnipeg, MB, their children Colin (Jayme) and his son Logan of Portage La Prairie, MB and Jason of Winnipeg, MB; Tanis Breed (Peter) of Kenora, their daughters Terri and Angela of Winnipeg, MB; Sandra (Les) Hiebert of 150 Mile House, BC; and Georgina (Bob) Toews and sons Matthew, David and Kale of Grand Prairie, AB.

He also leaves his sister Donna Mann of Kelowna, BC and brother-in-law Harry James of London, ON, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins from Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, with special fondness to his cousin Garry (Janet) Parkes of Vermilion Bay.

He was predeceased by his parents Jim and Ann McDonald, and his sisters Lorraine McDonald and Roberta James. He is also predeceased by his close buddies Wayne, Gerry, Emerson, Bob and Carl who he missed deeply.

Terry was born at home on October 2, 1933 to Jim and Ann McDonald. He married the love of his life on April 28, 1956. They spent many years in Keewatin and then to McConnel Lake after retirement, eventually leaving the Lake due to poor health and moving to Kenora.

Terry retired from the paper mill after 42 years of service to enjoy many of his passions which included travelling, woodworking, golfing, fishing and any other activity that would take him outdoors. He was active in the community and volunteered whenever there was a job to be done. He was active with the McKenzie/Clearwater Bay Fire Team and helped in the building of the Fire Hall.

Terry was very proud of his 34 year association with the Gateway Group he helped establish.

He was always ready to play cards at the shuffle of a deck and spent many days playing Canasta with the gang or dice with the girls.

He kept his sense of humor, even during the challenges of the last several years.

One of his proudest moments was the birth of great grandson Logan who truly demonstrated the meaning of the "Celebration of Life".

His children and grandchildren reminisce about the times spent at the lake with him, fishing, swimming, the big boat, building the swing (biggest on the lake), the diving board, times in the workshop, sliding parties in the winter and most of all the BIG family Christmas when Santa appeared on the front lawn but couldn't be coaxed in with cookies by Matthew and Terri.

The grandchildren riding in the bucket of the tractor much to the horror of their mothers. The grand kids sum it up with their posting on Face Book: "Grandpa, you were our inspiration. We will miss you."

Cremation has taken place and at Terry's request there will be no service and asks to be remembered over a cup of coffee at the kitchen table or at Tims.

Donations in his memory can be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Canadian Diabetic Association, The Kidney Foundation, or a charity of one's choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS