In Loving Memory Of

Ronald Michael MacDonald
January 26, 1951 - February 22, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dearest Ron MacDonald, who left us peacefully, on his own terms, on Thursday February 22, 2024, surrounded by the deepest love and awe of his family.

Ron leaves to mourn his wife of 45 years, Joan MacDonald of Calgary; children, Marsha (Hisham), Andrea (Dustin), and Natalie (Tyler), all of Calgary; grandchildren, Waylon, Owen, Dean, Vaughn, & Josie; sister Pauline (Harry) of Vancouver and twin brother Stan (Marilyn), of Saskatoon. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Elizabeth “Elsie” MacDonald; father-in-law Joseph Kitzul; and brother Raymond.

Ron was a man who developed deep connections with the people in his life. He was the embodiment of a calm presence. More of a listener than a talker, he would sit quietly, either ready to provide the punchline to a joke or validate others feelings. In his final days, he laughed at how much he had to say, to each a personal goodbye, reminding us to stay close to our cousins.

Born in Star City, Saskatchewan, Ron grew up in the spirit of a true Saskatchewan boy, with a group of buddies who ran wild around town. They would climb the town elevator, join the “Militia”, or hitchhike to the next town.

After high school, Ron moved to Vancouver to attend college and returned to Saskatchewan to start his career at SaskEnergy (formerly SaskPower). Upon his return, he met his future wife Joan through their overlapping network of life-long friends. At the time, she had not believed that they had a friend named “Ronald MacDonald.” They soon fell in love and started their lifelong adventure together.

Together, they raised their three daughters, Marsha, Andrea, & Natalie, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Ron worked hard and played hard. His work was demanding, but not as demanding as the countless hours spent driving the girls to skating, dance, music, or sports activities. When Ron had time to unwind, you could find him relaxing at the cabin at Fishing Lake, out on the golf course, grooving to his tunes, watching the Calgary Flames, or reading. Throughout his life, Ron engaged in many activities for himself including photography & drawing classes, hockey, making wine, yoga, archery, and fishing. The family took several ski trips to the mountains and family trips across the US and Mexico. Together, Ron & Joan travelled to a total of four continents before his passing.

Some of Ron’s happiest moments were at Fishing Lake. Whether it be teaching his nieces and nephews how to waterski or having a wine with the Kitzul clan on the deck, Ron cherished every moment.

Ron had the fullest life. He was the first to admit it. He wouldn’t change a thing. Mid-way through the pandemic, Ron & Joan moved to Calgary to live closer to their daughters and families. He had the utmost love and respect for his sons-in-law, who despite at one time mistakingly calling them eunuchs (instead of unique), he joked that he was glad it was not the case. In the end, Ron had 5 grandchildren that he loved with all his heart. They kept him busy playing board games at home or showcasing each of their talents in their activities.

He was always so proud of his daughters, but his boundless love for his wife, Joan, is who kept him going. He has described her as his rock and the strongest woman that he knew. 45 years later, we all look up to Ron and Joan as role models for equal partners in life & devotion to each other.

In the end, Ron was his best advocate by requesting palliative measures, as a result of his progressing pulmonary fibrosis.

Ron and his family are forever grateful for the healthcare teams that supported him across Calgary. Memorial Donations may be made in Ron’s memory to Calgary Health Foundation, in lieu of flowers.

A Celebration of Ron’s Life will take place on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Foam Lake Cemetery.

Celebration of Life

Foam Lake Cemetery

Graveside Service

1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Foam Lake, SK

Donations in memory of Ron MacDonald may be made to

Calgary Health Foundation

800 - 11012 McLeod Trail SE

Calgary, AB

T2J 6A5