John Francis Howitt McDonald

With profound sadness we announce the passing of our incredible father, grandfather and friend on Monday, January 15th, 2024 at the age of 92. As we come to terms with this unexpected loss we take comfort that he is reunited with his beloved wife, Shirley (2010).

Loving and adored Dad to Lori (Dave Baskin), Leslie (Mike Wiseman) and Steve (Jill). Proud and cherished Grampa of Jennifer, Brad and Laura Wiseman, Greg (Jess), Kelly and Ryan (Amanda) Baskin, Leah and Matthew McDonald. Dedicated brother to the late Jean Anderson and the late Betty McDonald.

Dad started his rewarding career with Workers Compensation Board (WSIB) March 14, 1955 and worked up through various positions including Secretary of the Board and was Executive Director of Claims Services at the time of his retirement in October 1985. He was lucky to have opportunities to travel extensively on business to almost all provinces and territories, numerous destinations in the United States and overseas highlights included trips to both Italy,Greece and Portugal. So many of his colleagues at the Board not only considered him a tremendous boss and mentor but most importantly a true friend, whose friendships continued, long past the job. His enjoyment of the Alumni Association brought him continued connection through dinners and events. He was blessed and thankful to have an incredibly long and active retirement enjoying hobbies such as gardening, photography and the simple pleasure of the daily crossword and spent time golfing, playing Mixed Bridge, walking, and traveling. He also developed a few home based enterprises including seasonal cheese and gift baskets and a most lucrative used golf ball business.

An athlete throughout his life he was a proud graduate of both Brown Public School and Oakwood Collegiate where he forged lifelong friendships both on and off the field and in the pool. While an opportunity to pursue football at U of T presented itself, he decided to begin work and not too long after, marry the love of his life, Shirley, in May 1952. In his later years he continued to enjoy golf, softball, basketball and hockey. His love of sport extended to coaching hockey, softball, and being involved with community sport associations and his own children’s sporting endeavors. .

A charitable man collecting every pop tab he used, or saw (‘are you done with that) for wheelchairs, he donated to numerous causes both financially and more importantly with his time. A long time blood donor, he was especially proud of his involvement with the specialized apheresis donations which took between one and two hours to complete. Frugal on the one hand, yet generous to a fault, he was the original “recycler” before curbside collection was even a thought. Nothing went to waste. Reuse and repair.

Over the years, Dad became a real connector of the incredible friends he made in all corners of his life. Like the dot in the middle, school and sports friends, colleagues, and neighbours got to know each other through their friendship with him. He never failed to lend a hand, look in on someone, make the phone call, stay in touch and he was there for a lot of people through good times and extremely challenging ones. As recently as January 3, he continued his daily routine delivering the daily papers to his neighbours in the condo where he resided as an original owner since 2014. So many little things that he did unasked, not looking for anything in return, that were appreciated by so many.

While he lived a remarkable, fulfilling and rewarding life to the age of 92, his passing is still a shock as despite some age related health issues, he was still driving, living independently in the home that he loved until just 12 days before he entered the hospital due to a fall. We fully expected him to leave the hospital and perhaps be ready to finally agree to retirement living. To date, he was not quite “old enough” yet.

We would also like to extend our thanks to incredible nurses Alyxa Tammy and Janet, Zoe, and Dr. Mulhern for their compassion and tireless efforts on our families behalf.

If love could keep you here, you would never go.

Visitation will be held at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Pkwy. S., Aurora on Friday from 3pm-6pm and Saturday 10am followed by a Service at 11am.

The family request that in lieu of sending flowers please consider donating to the Canadian Cancer Society; Heart & Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice in John’s memory. Your donations will be greatly appreciated by John’s family.

Rest easy Dad and dance every dance with your girl. “Cherish the Memories”