Ryan Lloyd McDonald

Waasebiitung

Migizi Doodem

April 19, 1984 – January 12, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Ryan McDonald, 41, on Monday, January 12, 2026, at his residence.

Ryan was a loving partner, son, father, papa, uncle, nephew, and friend. He grew up in Minaki, spending most of his time outdoors—fishing, taking boat rides, skidooing, sledding, or camping—always surrounded by family. Ryan was an incredibly devoted and hardworking man who consistently put the needs of his family before his own.

He was one of the most generous people you could ever meet—the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back without hesitation. If someone needed help, he said yes, even when it meant stretching himself thin or overbooking his time, because disappointing others was the last thing he ever wanted to do. He adored his family, especially his grandchildren, and he was the proudest Papa. He loved his mother deeply and worried about her often, always doing whatever he could to make sure she was cared for.

Ryan carried a strong, unwavering sense of protection for the women in his life—especially his mother, his daughters, and his wife. He could not stand to see them hurt or mistreated in any way, and they always knew they could call him if they needed safety, support, or someone solid to stand beside them. He was equally proud of his sons and wanted nothing more than for them to follow in his footsteps—to work hard, provide for their families, and love and protect the women in their lives with the same devotion he showed throughout his own. He hoped they would grow into strong, dependable men, grounded in the values he lived by every day.

As a husband, Ryan was steady, dependable, and absolutely solid. No matter what life brought, he showed up, worked through it, and did what needed to be done. He was the kind of partner you could trust completely—the kind of man you could be hanging over a cliff by the ankle and still feel safe, because his steadiness ran that deep. Calm, collected, and impossible to rattle, he never raised his voice and never let anger take hold. He carried a happiness that lived right under his skin, always with a huge smile plastered on his face and a laugh you could recognize in any crowded room.

Ryan loved cooking, especially on his BBQ and smoker, proudly serving up dishes he called “flavour town.” He worked hard, provided for his family, and took immense pride in his children and grandchildren. Full of jokes, always cheerful, endlessly giving, deeply protective, and grounded in quiet strength, he was a warm constant and a gift to everyone lucky enough to know him.

His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. Ryan is survived by his mother Yvonne McDonald, father Mitch Clark, wife Chantel Beacham, children Dakara and Zander McDonald, Xavier Swain, Rhyne McDonald, Brooklyn, Lyric, and Ariah Beacham, and grandchildren Dezirayah Cameron and Odin Beacham. He is also survived by his sisters Crystalynn McDonald, Lisa (William) Strutton, and Peggy McDonald, aunts and uncles Billy McDonald, Jessie McDonald, Iris Kelly, Paula French, Florence Bond, Eva Cameron, Jenifer, and Julie, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family from Wabaseemoog First Nation and the Lake of the Woods area.

Ryan is predeceased by his great-grandparents Ross (Jean) Walpole, Gorden (Fran) Clark, Cornelius McDonald, Jessie Paishk, grandparents Roy Kelly, Eliza McDonald, Sheila (Wayne) Clark, sister Sarah Clark and cousin Chippy McDonald.

A wake service will begin on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Minaki Community Hall. Funeral services will be led by Elder Ronnie McDonald and Jason Fobister on Saturday, January 31, 2026 beginning at 10:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Lake of the Woods Cemetery.