Mcdonald, James

It is with great sadness that the family of James Angus McDonald (Jay) announces his unexpected passing at his residence on Sunday, March 8, 2009. Jay was born in Schrieber, Ontario on September 22, 1947 and spent his younger years growing up in Red Rock, Ontario. As a young man, Jay moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario where he worked a number of years for the Great Lake Paper Co. Jay returned to Red Rock for a few years before moving to Calgary, Alberta, where he worked for MacCaution Van Lines as a mover. Jay then returned to Red Rock and finished his working career employed by the township as a maintenance man at the Red Rock Recreation Centre. Jay spent his remaining years in Thunder Bay. Jay's main interests were spending time with his son Michael and sharing stories with his good friends at the Elks Lodge on Syndicate Avenue. He was a big hockey fan and his favourite team was the Oilers. Jay was a big music lover and enjoyed all types of music, but he was especially fond of the Blues and would always look forward to the Thunder Bay Blues Festival. Also, Jay devoted much of his time to rediscovering his Native heritage and culture; which he was very proud of. Jay is survived by his son Michael McDonald (Audry) and Michael's mother, Betty of Thunder Bay, Ontario; brothers Ronald McDonald (Laurie) of Winnipeg, Manitoba; Gordon McDonald of Toronto, Ontario; Bruce McDonald (Vicky) of St. Catharines, Ontario; John McDonald of Thunder Bay, Ontario; Patrick McDonald of Red Rock, Ontario and Brian McDonald (Jen) of Red Rock, Ontario. Jay is also survived by his dear friends, Leslie McKinnon, Stephen Dufresn and Bob Tucker all of Thunder Bay, Ontario as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Jay was predeceased by his mother Vivian McDonald, father John McDonald, daughter Donna McDonald, brother Daniel McDonald and sister Isabel Markwart. A Memorial service in Jay's memory will be held in the Blake Funeral Chapel, 200 South May St. , Thunder Bay, Ontario on Thursday, March 12, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Larry Kroker s.j. officating. The Memorial service with be followed by a Celebration of Life in the Elks Lodge on Syndicate Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario. Donations in Jay's memory can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice. A tree will be planted in memory of James McDonald in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 27, 2010. On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com