Cliff Macdonald

On July 26th we lost our hero. Rather than post a notice of Dad's passing at the age of 96, let this be a notice of a life well lived. He had many roles: Husband, Father, Father-in-law, Grandfather, Son, Brother, WWII Veteran, Uncle, Neighbour, Friend, Auntie Kidder & Flipper. Pre-deceased by his wife of 57 years Betty Radmore, he leaves behind his cherished girls Kim and Karen, sons-in-law Carlo Falcone & Jacques Bouchard (Carol) grandsons Jonathan and Justin (Mallory) sister Lorna (Barry), nieces, nephews, family and friends. Predeceased by his parents Arthur and Eileen, sister Shirley, brothers Eric and Jack and sister-in-law Fay.

Dad was a World War II Veteran, having served in the Royal Canadian Navy on the HMCS Atholl. He was a machinist with the National Research Council, one of many projects he was proud of was manufacturing parts for the Space Shuttle’s Canadarm.

He was also an avid carpenter proven by the constant humming of saws resulting in crafted furniture & treasures still enjoyed. He was always a snappy dresser and became famous at the Perley for his colourful Hawaiian shirts.

Dad could fix almost anything; this was a proven fact given the number of parts found in the garage & basement. He was notorious for wandering Lakeview Terrace in search of his next big find. Mom was known to call around to see if anyone had spotted him on his travels, she must be very content to know that he is now by her side.

A very special thanks to all the wonderful staff at the Perley & Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre, especially the staff of G2N - you are extraordinary. Thank you to Dave Harris for giving him the honour of representing the Navy at the Remembrance Day ceremony and meeting the Governor General, Jasna who always went above and beyond in her care and Kelsea who kept our pandemic Zoom calls entertaining. Donna, your care and companionship over the last 2 years was genuine and appreciated.

Not only will he be missed but remembered for his intense pride, patience, stubbornness and his unflappable off-the-cuff sense of humour.

A graveside service will be held at 2pm on Friday July 30th at Bellevue Cemetery, 1030 Aylmer Road, Gatineau QC. We ask that you please wear something bright & colourful to honour Dad’s memory.

Donations to The Canadian Naval Memorial Trust Preservation Fund would be much appreciated. The financial support preserves the HMCS Sackville, the last remaining WWII convoy escort ship that served in the Navy, and is now a Naval Museum. https://hmcssackville.ca. Donations to the Perley Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre would also be appreciated.

Dad, thank you for teaching us your incredible work ethic. We learned that girls can do anything, to fix not replace, how to change our own oil and to help anyone when you can. We ask you raise a glass of Gordon’s G&T in honour of Dad’s life.