David Roy McDonald

It is with deep sadness that David’s family announced his passing on November 26, 2025. David will be lovingly remembered by Jean, his wife of 71 years; daughter, Linda (Victor Holysh); son, Tim (Jairo Jordon); grandchildren, David Holysh (Hwanhee Cho) and Catherine Holysh; as well as his sister, Josephine, brother, Ian, and many nieces and nephews. David was predeceased by his sisters, Betty Hudson and Dore Price and close cousin, Helen Craig.

David grew up as a hard-working farm boy in Clandeboye, Manitoba surrounded by his large extended family. He moved to Alberta to work in the oil industry after earning a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Manitoba in 1952. After thirteen years working for Century Geophysical, Dad accepted a job in Sydney, Australia as Chief Geophysicist for Burmah Oil UK. A two-year contract turned into a long career in the Australian oil industry and a love affair with Australia. As a result of various mergers, David subsequently worked for Hudson’s Bay Oil and Gas, Dome Petroleum and LASMO in Perth and Brisbane. David received many awards over the years for his contributions to the Australian oil Industry, highlighting his importance to the discovery and development of Australia’s North West Shelf gas fields. David finished his career in London, England working out of LASMO’s head office for a year before accepting a three-year assignment as general manager of their Italian operations in Rome.

David and Jean loved to travel. In retirement they split their time between North Vancouver and Brisbane, before settling at Westerleigh Parc in West Vancouver.

Dad loved many things: his family and friends; his career; travelling around the world; playing cribbage; his two countries: Canada and Australia; his Australian boat; watching Canadian football, Aussie Rules football, curling and ice hockey; country and western music; and a glass of Alberta Premium rye whiskey.  

The family would like to thank the residents and staff at Westerleigh Parc where David and Jean lived for over eleven years. David was a passionate cribbage player and he and his good friend, Evelyn Makin organized twice weekly cribbage afternoons at Westerleigh.

The family would like to thank Ewa and Jola, who were morning caregivers for several years. Thank you to the Proof of Care caregivers and the VCH palliative team for their care and support during David’s final months. Thank you to Dr. Adair, Dr. Mutat and Dr. Mak for their care over many years.

A funeral service will be held at West Vancouver United Church on Sunday, January 18th at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.