KC (Clayton) MacDonald

It is with broken hearts and profound sadness that we share the sudden passing of KC (Clayton) MacDonald on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 at the tender age of 64. We as a family are so incredibly grateful that he was surrounded by his loved ones during the time of his passing. He courageously waited for his children to arrive to be by his side, and he passed away peacefully and with dignity in his final moments.

KC is survived by his daughter Stefanie (who he lovingly called “Steffie”), his son, Kyle (Tayler), of whom he was immensely proud, and his loving life partner, Dorothy Wignall. He was predeceased by his beloved mother, Mary Catherine (Kay) MacDonald, and father, Merlin MacDonald.

Clayton will be greatly missed by his brothers and sisters, Jacinta, Lynn (Shelley), Brian (Brenda), Blair (Janie), and Heather (Kerry). Along with his many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and an uncle and aunt in the Mallard and MacDonald families.

Born on October 4, 1961 in Charlottetown, PEI, Clayton was the third of six children. Raised on a farm in Morell, he spent his early years surrounded by siblings, cousins and friends, and they had the kind of freedom that led to countless adventures (which often included a healthy dose of mischief). He was naturally strong-willed and full of life, with a rebellious spirit, and a kind heart that stayed with him always. From a young age, he carried a sense of loyalty, protectiveness, independence, leadership and determination that would guide him throughout his life.

At just 18 years old, Clayton left Prince Edward Island to join the Canadian Armed Forces, where he built a remarkable career. As a jet and helicopter pilot, flight instructor, and flight examiner, he demonstrated exceptional skill, courage, and dedication. KC concluded his career at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) in Halifax, NS, where he played a key role in directing search and rescue operations in the Atlantic Region. Over his 30 years of service, he participated in numerous NATO missions aboard the H.M.C.S. Charlottetown, contributed to recovery efforts following the Swissair Flight 111 tragedy, and completed many postings away from home. He was honoured with numerous medals and awards throughout his career, including the Sikorsky Aircraft Rescue Award, recognizing his bravery and expertise in a life-saving mission. He took great pride in his work and in serving and protecting others.

Above all, KC was an extraordinary father. He was endlessly proud of his children and supported them with unwavering love, support and encouragement. He created a childhood full of unforgettable memories — racing up the stairs to be the first in line for Cows Ice Cream on the PEI ferry (on the way to the cottage at Lakeside), making pancakes shaped like their initials, and going above and beyond to make every Christmas feel special. Steffie and Kyle were raised in a home filled with laughter, adventure, and love, all thanks to their dad, and their mother Evie. They remain deeply grateful for the personal sacrifices their father made during his long periods at sea, and for the tremendous example he set through his dedication, bravery, strength, and devotion.

KC had an incredibly big heart, and his family and friends meant everything to him. He was generous, thoughtful, creative, and full of life — someone who could always be counted on, especially in times of need. He had a natural ability to lift others up, often through humour, kindness, music, or quiet acts of support. This resulted in profound, meaningful connections and friendships that he formed throughout his life. KC had a natural affinity for various sports and athletics throughout his lifetime as well, and always strived for excellence. Graduating from pond hockey and barnyard baseball games with his brothers and sisters, to high school sports, he went on to play for national military hockey and baseball teams. KC also was known to have an incredible golf game (he even hit a hole-in-one), and in later years, found a deep passion for archery and skeet shooting. These were sports that perfectly reflected his steady hand, keen eye, and a strong sense of camaraderie, especially within his Fish & Game Club.

In his later years, KC embraced life fully alongside his partner Dorothy (“DoDo”). Together, they shared a joyful and vibrant life — travelling, going on motorcycle adventures, dressing up for evenings out, and checking off experiences from their “Fun and Adventure Plan,” which included 28 special experiences for this year. The weekend of his passing included one of these experiences: KC was in Victoria competing in an archery tournament, enjoying incredible meals, exploring the city, and laughing with Dorothy. He had remarked that he had the best steak dinner of his life the night before he passed — a reflection of how fully he lived his life, right to the very end.

A private Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at his beloved home in Courtenay, BC — a place he fondly referred to as “KC’s Penthouse Lounge.” This home was a dream realized and a true reflection of KC: warm, welcoming, creative and full of personality. He took great pride in curating his dream home, filling it with custom-made art pieces that he helped to design, carefully selecting furniture and decor that expressed his personal style, and hosting family and friends for dinners, wine, specialty cocktails and coffees, game nights, and meaningful connection. It is only fitting that he will be celebrated there.

Steffie will also be bringing a portion of her father’s ashes home on the plane with her to the East Coast, where a private Celebration of Life will be held in Prince Edward Island this summer, allowing his family and friends on the East Coast to honour his life.

As a family we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the incredibly kind and compassionate people who cared for KC and his family during the time of his passing. Thank you to the paramedics with BC Ambulance, and to the doctors and nurses of the Victoria Royal Jubilee Hospital.

Today and every day, we invite you to honour KC by embodying his favourite words: “Just be kind.” He lived this value deeply, often through quiet acts of generosity that made the world a little softer and a little brighter for those around him.

In lieu of flowers, donations in KC’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. In keeping with his love of animals (especially his beloved cat of 20 years, Ollie and his hummingbird, Howard) KC has made a generous donation to the SPCA through his estate.