Such a gentleman, with a kind soul and a wonderful smile.  Even though our paths had not crossed in some time, you were always in our thoughts.  Warmest wishes and sincere condolences to the McDonald family, the girls and their families in this time of sadness.  

It is with deep sadness to hear about the passing of Richard.
My sincere condolences to all the McDonald families and Ward clan.
My memories of Richard are many from my own youth arriving to Canada in 1972  thru many a clan party to actually working with Richard and my own dad in many of the "we painting jobs"
Richard always brought his undeniable humor and grace wherever we where.
He was always kind to our family and there was deep affection for Richard.
Now he has gone to join Maureen and the rest of the clan in heaven.
Richard will be deeply missed .
God bless 
And RIP .
Thanks for the memories always in our hearts.
The Bradys


Your mom and dad and my mom and dad were the best of friends.  Your mom our “auntie Maureen” and your dad our “uncle Richard” were a big part of our lives growing up.  
I have fond memories of your dad and remember his kindness.  Whenever your mom and dad would come and visit us in Vancouver, your mom and my mom would be talking away in the kitchen and your dad inevitably find the comfiest chair in the living room and fall asleep.  Us kids were just amazed at this!  When it was time to go, your mom would ask one of us to go and wake your dad up.
We often visited you at your house on Ross Road when you girls were young.  I stayed with you a few weeks in the summer to help out after your mom’s surgery.  Perhaps you remember?  I feel blessed to have had that wonderful time with your family.  
My hope for you is that your father’s love for you will live on in your wonderful memories of him.
Much love,
Mary McKenna


I first met Richard McDonald 42 years ago in Vancouver over the years we would see each other at Weddings funerals and parties, he would always ask how everyone was doing and always had a joke to tell. He was the only person to ever call me by my Christian name. To say he will be missed would be a understatement. RIP 

We were fortunate enough to be able to make it from Australian to Vancouver for Denise and Murray's wedding, and be welcomed into Richards home with friendly and open arms.  Richard had never met myself and Tarsha before we arrived but he was the perfect host and made us very welcome in his home. He gave us a key to his front door and introduced us to his eggnog which was better than I thought is was going to be. It was more like catching up with an old friend than meeting a new one. 
Rest in peace Richard
Mitch and Tarsha.

Rest in peace uncle richard thoughts and prayers are with you and family very sad news .

Richard McDonald was my favorite brother-in-law and lifelong Friend.  He was a skilled painter who travelled with his beautiful wife Maureen and their two young girls to Vancouver from  New Lodge Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland in the early 60s. Soon Philomena, myself and our girls and other family followed them to Vancouver.  Richard was a steadfast, loyal family man who loved his daughters, grandkids and extended family all over the world.  If it wasn’t for Richard McDonald, many of us would not have had the opportunity to live in Canada.  He had a great sense of humour and he loved to help people,  I will miss my friend dearly as every week he used to call me up to tell me a new joke, and I would tell him it “needed more work”.  He used to tell me I “needed to work on my dancing steps because I couldn’t dance very well”.   My thoughts and prayers are with the McDonald Girls and all of the family during this time of grief. 
R.I.P. Richard
As we say in Ireland “He was a very sound man”.
James Fitzgerald 


Uncle Richard was always good for a good corny joke.  He was always so generous.  I can remember countless parties in the back yard.  He will be missed dearly.  Lots of love to Eunice, Denise and Oonagh and families.  The Rocheleau family.

I remember Richard from the old Vancouver days back in the eighties at the Spinning Wheel  Gas town when I use to play there with the Rogues Then a few parties over at his house in North Vancouver great times .
I met him again at Kells in Seattle  just a few months ago when I was playing there he was doing some painting just a lovely gentle man  RIP peace Richard ..

Fond memories of a good man and a good friend ,

On our trip to Canada in 2008, Uncle Richard welcomed us into his home. I have many fond memories of our time with him. He was always incredibly generous, kind and funny.  My favourite memory of him is something I remember on a daily basis. We would spend entire days out and about having the best time and as we would drive into his driveway he would say “It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, it’s always nice to come home”. This has stuck with me ever since, every time I drive into my driveway, I hear his voice saying those words and I think to myself, he was absolutely right! Rest In Peace Uncle Richard xxx 
Sending all our love to you all during this very difficult time and know that your family in Australia have you in our thoughts xxx 


I will miss Richard so very much. He was such a funny, warm and loving man who always made you happier just being around him. While visiting Vancouver he made Maribel and I feel so loved and looked after us like we were his own. He will always bring a big smile to my face when I remember him.

Sending all our love and prayers to all the family in this difficult time.



Richard had shown me such kindness with every moment I was privileged enough to be near him. He let me stay at his place when I began my backpacking trip, and was more than willing to offer guidance and a friend to show me around Vancouver. 

There was a kindness he shared with the people he met – friends or strangers. I felt that the moment he spotted me at the airport and said in his wonderful voice: "It's good to see you, son."

Richard was generous with his space, his time and his attention. He indulged me in tales with Pearse and Jeanette, the unforgettable parties and connections made in Vancouver, all while showing me around the city he lived in. I even loved the nights at the Legion when he took me with.

I couldn't have thanked him enough for his generosity, his hospitality, and his friendship.

One memory that stood out for me was when we were driving down to Seattle – Richard had offered to help paint the Kells bar and I wanted to tag along and help. He told me a good lesson about retirement, and that as soon as it happens, you instantly want to start working again — so best find something you love doing. That's who Richard was, though. He'd paint your room or offer a hand if you needed it, even when he was supposed to slow down and relax.

I'll never forget the Elvis hum he did when we were driving, too. Brings a smile to my face.

What a truly lovely person.  A very sharp wit and the best sense of humour, he just loved to start another argument and watch it simmer. I had so many laughs at the parties they used to host.  
I guess they are all having one big party again.
My heartfelt condolences to the McDonald and Ward families.
with love from Helen Little and Josephine Davis

My beautiful brother-in-law had the driest sense of humour and could get a rise out of anyone within seconds of greeting him!  My best memory is all the fabulous parties he and Maureen hosted over the years. 

But I’ve will never forget Pearse and I pulling into Richard’s driveway and he was painting his old car with a paint roller! 😄

I know the party is really getting started up in heaven with now that he is there. 
Love you forever, Richard! Xoxo
Jeanette 

OBITUARY

Richard McDonald

February 29, 1940 – January 23, 2020

First Memorial Funeral Services

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services