McDonald, Alex

It is with great sadness that the family of Alex McDonald announces his peaceful passing on Monday, June 18, 2012 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Alex was born on September 27, 1916 in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan and spent the majority of his childhood and teenage years at the family home in Turtleford, Saskatchewan. During the depression years Alex traveled throughout the prairies working in various farming communities and it was at this time that he met his future bride. In May of 1941 Alex married the love of his life, Anne Meeley. They started their life together in Ajax, Ontario and here they became the proud parents of their only child, a beautiful daughter, Eleanor Anne. Alex was a Veteran of the Second World War and a lifetime honourary member of the Royal Canadian Legion. After the war Alex, Anne and their daughter Eleanor relocated to Marathon, Ontario where Alex became a career Stationary Engineer at the American Can of Canada Pulp Mill. Alex and Anne's lives were enriched with the arrival of grandchildren, but their happiness was cut short when their beloved daughter Eleanor passed away in January 1971. Alex continued to work at the American Can Mill until his retirement in 1976, after which Alex and Anne started traveling extensively throughout Canada and the United States. They enjoyed being snowbirds at McAllen, Texas for many years. They were looking forward to celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary, but sadly Anne passed away three months prior in March 1991. After Anne died, Alex met Gladys Vanstone. They shared the next 17 years travelling together and wintering down at Gladys’ home in Sarnia. They had a wonderful companionship until old age and distance made it impossible for them to share their last few years together. Alex is survived by is son-in-law William Berube (Eleanor deceased) (Grace) his grandchildren of whom he was especially proud, Allen, John (Frances), Ashley (Cory Morgan) and Ryan, April Stevens (Kerry) his sister Eleanor Hyndman and brother Charles McDonald. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, as well as, Gladys Vanstone. Alex was predeceased by his parents Edward and Mary, his loving wife Anne, his beloved daughter Eleanor, and sisters Jean Vallentgoed and Irene Pook. Rev. Harold Hunt officiated the private family service and interment held at Sunset Memorial Gardens on Friday, June 22, 2012. Thank you to all who have touched Grandpa's life.