Alastair Donald McDonald

Peacefully at home at the age of 83, at the time and date of his choosing.

Alastair was the beloved husband of Gina for more than 56 years. He was a much loved and loving father to Keith and Catriona, fond father-in-law to Erika and Don, and very proud grandpa of Ethan and Colin. Alastair also leaves behind many dear friends in London, Port Hope and back in Scotland.

Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Alastair was a keen student, soccer player, hiker, badminton player, music lover and bridge player. He studied chemistry at the University of Edinburgh, before beginning his teaching career at Preston Lodge in Prestonpans, Scotland. On a hiking and hosteling trip in the Scottish highlands, he was smitten by the lovely Gina. Married in the summer of 1965, they boarded the ocean liner “Empress of England”, destined for their new home in Canada.

Alastair was proud to teach at Trinity College School in Port Hope, Ontario for 29 years. In addition to teaching chemistry and math, he coached soccer and rugby. He even took to the school stage and in his fine baritone, he could happily reprise “The Policeman’s Chorus” from The Pirates of Penzance for many years after.

Together, Alastair and Gina enjoyed a long and happy retirement. They travelled regularly, on cruises and trips to Europe with friends, and on family visits to San Diego, Montreal, and cottage country in the Kawarthas. Choral singing and Scottish country dancing also gave them many happy hours. In his retirement, Alastair particularly enjoyed golf and lawn bowling, and continued to be an avid bridge player until the week before his death. And of course, there was Maggie, the last of several canine companions, who brought so much joy to his last years.

Alastair was always grateful to Canada, his home country for more than 56 years. However, like his brogue, which never faded, he maintained an enthusiasm for all things Scottish. He happily spent his last morning with his grandsons, cheering Scotland’s rugby team to a win.

Those of us who knew and loved him will always be grateful to have shared in his life, a life well lived.

A celebration of Alastair’s life will be held in the spring. Donations to honour his memory may be made to Dying with Dignity Canada, War Amps, or the Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre.