Andrew Michael MacDonald

It is with deepest sadness that, on September 4th 2014 in Portland, Maine, Andrew MacDonald, beloved husband of Elizabeth Freeman and devoted father to Callum and Amelie, passed away following a courageous battle with colon cancer; his wife by his side, his hand held by her, in constant mutual love.

Andy will be forever loved and missed always, especially by his wife Elizabeth, son Callum, daughter Amelie, mother Kathleen, father John, brother Bruce (Kriss), sister Jennifer, in-laws Susan and Cole, sisters-in-law Karen (Corey), Betty (John), aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, friends and colleagues.

Andrew was born in Ottawa, but lived significant parts of his childhood in Bermuda and Saudi Arabia before settling back in Ottawa where he went to high school at Notre Dame. He received his BSc in Geology from Carleton University, followed by graduate studies in GIS at the College of Geographic Sciences (COGS) in Nova Scotia, graduating at the top of his class in both instances.

It was during the beginning of the first year of university that he met Elizabeth on a blind date. They were together from that night on and married 6 years later to the day they met, on October 19th,1996. Their two children Callum (13) and Amelie (12) were his pride and joy, and he was a wonderful father.

Andy started his career in GIS at the Geographic Survey of Canada back in Ottawa. Soon after he was recruited by Esri to work for them in Redlands, California. Andy and Liz moved there one month after getting married and he began what would be an illustrious almost 18 year career with Esri, the last 9 years in Portland, Maine.

Andy was a world traveler. He loved exploring new locations, food and cultures and was a history buff. He and his wife shared this mutual love of travel with their children.

Andrew’s home and heart was with his treasured wife and his children. He cherished his family and friends. During his illness, these past three years, their love and support gave him strength.

Andrew’s intelligence, integrity, humor, passion, love of life and incredible bravery, touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

Andrew’s funeral, followed by an evening celebration of his life, will be held in Portland, Maine on September 12th. A memorial celebration will be planned for a later date in Ottawa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Blue Note Fund at the Colon Cancer Alliance: or to Callum and Amelie’s College Fund, with grateful thanks.

Elizabeth and family would like to thank the amazing nursing staff at the Maine Centre for Cancer Medicine, Maine Medical Centre, and the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House, as well as Dr. Evans and Dr. Mayo for their care and compassion over the last few years.