Patrick Edward McDonnell

Born in North Bay, Ontario to Josephine and Edward McDonnell, Pat worked in numerous jobs, staking claims for INCO Mining in Sudbury, spiking railway ties, and working as a brakeman for the Ontario Northland Railway during the summer to pay his way through University. He met Donna, first on a train, and the second time in an elevator at Carleton University the day he was accepted into the MA Program in Political Science. Two years later they were married. They welcomed their sons, Paul, in 1972, Ryan in 1976, and Chris in 1980.

Pat worked as a Political Analyst in the Department of National Defence in Ottawa, eventually becoming Director of Program Analysis, responsible for evaluating Canadian Policy as it related to US policy (NORAD). He also attended the Institute of Strategic Studies, living in London, England with his family for a year, even conversing with the Queen on one occasion.

Pat loved the outdoors and challenges of all kinds. In Ottawa, he rode his bike 25 miles to work and back in the summer, and in the winter, skated on the canal during lunch. He cross-country skied in the Gatineau Park regularly with his friends and family, even at night, in temperatures often down to -35 degrees, and participated in the Canadian Cross-Country Ski Marathon for many years. He enjoyed white-water canoeing with his friends, brother-in-law, and sons. Family holidays were camping trips at the amazing Bon Echo Park, and his sons all grew up loving nature and the outdoors. He loved reading, gardening, his model railroad, playing bridge, chess, poker, and, of course, world domination in Risk. His and Donna’s greatest joy, however, was just spending time together.

After being posted to Kingston, Ontario, they bought a historic house on 10 acres, turning much of the pasture into a huge garden. Pat also had 4 bee hives, and he LOVED his bees, supplying jars of honey and vegetables for everyone. He ran the International Resource Management Course at National Defence College in Kingston, where top ranking officials from Eastern European Countries were brought over to learn our system of Democracy and to help bring Eastern Europe into NATO.

Upon retiring, Pat worked as an independent consultant with the Department of National Defence, the Office of the Auditor General (OAG), and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), taking him to South East Asia for CIDA, and to Ottawa, running International Courses in Resource Management. In 2006, he and Donna moved west and settled in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, making many new friends through the Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association (PGOSA). He particularly enjoyed playing slo-pitch. When Parkinson’s prevented him from playing baseball any longer, he joined Doug Picard’s boxing program in Parksville, and he and Donna found support and new friends through this amazing group of people.

Pat was predeceased by his sister, Ellen. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Donna, and his sons, Paul (Michelle), Ryan (Kim), and Chris (Julie), and his much-loved grandsons, Dylan and Emmett. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered for his integrity, sense of humor, and his unwavering commitment to his family.

Pat ‘s health journey was supported by many, and his family would like to express gratitude to the dedicated care workers in Island Health, his “girls” at the Adult Day Program, Stacy, Colleen and Mandy who always brightened his Wednesdays, and the caring staff of Douglasview in Stanford Seniors Village who continually showed compassion for Pat and his loved ones.

A Celebration of Life will take place 2-5pm on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Qualicum Beach Inn, 2690 Island Hwy West.

In Pat’s memory, In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Parkinson’s Society or a charity of your choice.