Ronald Joseph McDonald

After a brief but courageous battle with cancer Ronald Joseph McDonald, of Halifax, faced his final challenge in life with strength, wisdom and a genuine love for his family and the many friends he would have to leave behind.

Ronnie was born on August 12, 1933, and was raised in New Aberdeen, Glace Bay. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Alan MacDonald and Anastasia Matilda MacDonald (Matheson) as well as a younger sister, Jane Louise.

Ronnie graduated from St. Annes High School in 1948. From here he worked at both the 1B and No.26 Colliery in Glace Bay. Often Ronnie pridefully spoke of his time working in the coal mines and his many experiences working with these men of the deep - a strong family tradition he followed as a young man.

In 1951, Ronnie joined the Canadian Armed Forces where he trained as a Dental Technician in the Royal Canadian Army Dental Corp (RCADC). After his parents passing, Ronnie returned to Glace Bay on compassionate discharge to support his family. When asked how he would want to be remembered Ronnie said, "I would like to be remembered for being a good brother." - a familial deed that brought him lifelong love and respect from his family.

In 1966, Ronnie transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and was posted across Canada. He would complete his military career at the Radar Base in Sydney, where he had acquired the nickname "Cannon Ball" - one of several pseudonyms that would accompany Ronnie throughout his adventurous life.

After his time at RCAF he had many professional occupations such as at Sun Life Insurance, The Royal Canadian Legion as well as enjoying other recreational activities as the President of The Cape Breton Stock Car Association. While with CBSCA, Ronnie did a brief stint on CJCB radio where his outgoing personality entertained many dedicated followers. In his later years Ronnie would eventually retire, having worked with his close friends at Atlantic Collection Agency in Dartmouth.

Ronnie's friendly and gregarious personality is well known in the Halifax community. He had a gift for lively conversation, as he greatly loved bringing smiles and laughter to those around him. A testament to this was how frequently he visited his favorite haunts within downtown Halifax - Pier 21 where Ronnie's fishing pole would greet the mackerel run in the early morning hours and where spontaneous conversation with strangers and tourists would result in humorous conversations with brand new friends.

Ronnie and his close friends would be frequent visitors to The Split Crow where a bronze plaque inscribed "The Bull Shippers" proudly sits on the corner bar as a symbol of his many years of established friendships and his maritime hospitality. He would extend that same personality within the Oasis Pub where many more friendships would also be cemented.

Ronnie was previously married to Audrey Marie DelVecchio. They had one daughter, Joanne Ronalda, who now lives in Boca Raton, Florida. Ronnie always treasured a very warm and caring relationship with Audrey parents, Nicolas and Sadie DelVecchio, his adopted Mother and Father. He is also survived by his loving and thoughtful son, Sean Christopher from Calgary, Alberta, who stayed at his Fathers side throughout his final challenge in his life.

Ronnie is lovingly remembered by his siblings – Tommy Allen (BC), Lorraine Marie (Calgary), Herman Joseph (BC), Jane Louise (deceased) as well as Rita Anne, Theresa Margaret, Myles Gregory, all of Halifax and Allan Joseph (deceased) and his baby brother, James Leonard of London, Ontario. Ronnie wanted a special mention to his loving brother, Victor Ignatius (Hfx) who made sure he made all of his medical appointments. Uncle Ronnie was always very close to his many nieces and nephews. Of special mention also is his dear nephew Bernie MacDonald, of Michigan, who enjoyed a very special relationship with his Uncle from his boyhood to this present day!

Many thanks to volunteers and staff of the 8th Floor, QE2 Hospital and the Victoria General Hospital who gave thoughtful and compassionate care to Ronnie throughout his illness. Towards the end of his life's journey, he asked to be considered as a person, not a patient. With his wishes respected, Ronnie would leave this world with piece, dignity and free from pain.

Friends and family are welcomed to celebrate of Ronnie's life September the 10th from 2-4 pm at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. In leu of flowers, Ronnie's wish was that donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society and The Halifax North End Food Bank. His final thoughts, a desire to be of assistance to others.