Mark MACDONALD (1956 - 2020)
MARK MACDONALD 'Mac' January 19, 1956 - December 4, 2020 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Mac, our beloved husband, father, and friend, who died peacefully at home, from complications of pancreatic cancer, surrounded by the love of his family. Mac is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Susie (neé Keating), and their three adoring children, Jeffrey, Marjorie, and Martha. He is also survived by his dear sister Mara, her partner Steven, and is predeceased by his mother Joan, father Jonathan Hector, and brother Christopher. Mac was born in King City and spent close to his entire life in Toronto, with treasured time spent at North Toronto Collegiate Institute, Queen's University, on adventures in Banff and Montauk, and tracing his family lineage from Cape Breton Island to Edmonton. Mac's unconditional love and steadfast support were felt by his family in all that he did. He nurtured in them his deep love of adventure, nature, and recreation through his zeal for cycling, sailing, skiing, hockey, rugby and travel, all of which were constants in his life. Above all, he instilled in his children life values that will stand them in good stead for their futures, never imposing his will, instead wisely suggesting a path to follow that would help them realize their goals. While his family will miss his wise words, and unparalleled ability to see the bigger picture, they will carry his wisdom, intellectual curiosity and love in their hearts and minds. Mac added fun and frivolity to the lives he touched. He spent many summers in Kennebunk, Maine, and Richibucto, New Brunswick with the Keating family, including his mother-in-law Mary, brothers-in-law Bill and David, their wives Suzanne and Kim, and nieces and nephews Christopher, Claire, James, William and Margot. The Marjorie Aitken, and Rodger and Elise Titman families including Stephanie, Ross, Martin and Little Elise, were always part of his Maritime life. He shared extraordinary times with his dearest friends through his years as a member of the Saracens Rugby Club, Toronto Lawn Tennis Club, and Devil's Glen Ski Club. His warm, loyal, and honest friendship will be missed by all who knew him. He was a true Scot, gifted in navigating the most difficult of endeavours, on the slopes of the Rocky Mountains, on the rugby pitch or hockey rink, and throughout his successful career in finance and as a corporate director. For the past two years, Mac has played the game of his life - with courage, tenacity, and the best of spirits-against a foe who was playing by different rules. Sincere thanks to our extended family and dear friends who have supported him and our family throughout this journey; the love we have felt is profound. We are forever indebted to Princess Margaret Hospital, and in particular Dr. R. Prince and Dr. I. McGilvray, who gave us the ultimate gift of two years of treasured family time since his diagnosis. It was Mac's wish that any memorial donations be made to the Wallace McCain Center for Pancreatic Cancer at Princess Margaret Hospital. A private family burial will be held, and a future celebration of his life will take place when circumstances permit. Mac was the very best of us, a true gentleman, and he has scored his final try. 'Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow! What a Ride!'