John Macdonald

It is with great sadness that the family of John Ross MacDonald, announces his passing on January 13, 2018 at his home in Nepean at the age of 85. Ross is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 57 years, Willa Marion (Eden) MacDonald and their four boys, Angus (Janet), Gregory (Billie), Murray (Terri) and Gordon. He will be lovingly remembered by his six grandchildren; Vivian Laura Szymczuk (Rafal), Christine (Babak Maghsoudloo), Jacob, Sammie, Katie Wright (Herb Beagan), Jonathan Wright (Kayla) and his 3 great grandchildren, Conor Beagan, and Joshua and Jacob Wright and Pamela Baker (niece) and Douglas Baker (nephew). Ross was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia to John Thomas MacDonald and Helen M MacDonald (Metzler) on September 13, 1932. He graduated from St. Mary's College in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he joined the Canadian Forces; Royal Canadian Ordinance Corp. He served on several overseas operations, including the Golan Heights and Egypt. He was stationed in several Bases across Canada, finally residing in Ottawa. After the military, Ross joined the Government of Canada, where he worked in multiple departments, retiring from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in 1987. Ross spent his retirement involved in the Royal Scottish Country Dance and Country Square Dancing Societies. He will fondly be remembered for his love of Scotland, his vast knowledge and his keen sense of humour. Ross' will always be remembered and loved for the time he spent helping to coach the boys lacrosse and hockey teams, their skiing and camping trips as well as the very valuable carpentry and construction skills he willingly passed along. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff of Redwoods Retirement Residence and Kim Hallarn RPN, Director of Care. A celebration of life will be held for him in Ottawa at Tubman's Funeral Home, 3440 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, on Wednesday Jan 17, 2018 from 4:00 to 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.