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BARRETT ALEXANDER "BART" MCDONALD

1938 - 2025

BARRETT ALEXANDER "BART" MCDONALD obituary, 1938-2025, Toronto, ON

BORN

1938

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

BARRETT MCDONALD Obituary

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our wonderful husband, father, grampa (opa), brother, uncle and friend, on March 25, 2025. He leaves his wife Joan, the love of his life; cherished children, David (Lea), Karine and Lisa; adored grandchildren, Hannah, Eli and Marley; and many dear nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister, Joan; and brothers, Brian and Jim. Barrett was born in Winnipeg in 1938 to Margaret Einarson and Alec McDonald and was proud of his Icelandic and Scottish heritage. He had a happy childhood in a close and loving family and developed strong friendships that lasted a lifetime. A football player in his youth, he enjoyed many sports and golfed for 38 years at the Bayview Club. He was a born entrepreneur and fulfilled his goals in the business world by starting his own insurance brokerage at age 29, and continued to develop and add new companies and innovative ideas. In 1990, with an FCIP designation, he was elected an underwriting member of Lloyd's of London. His dream was to get a pilot's license and his own plane. He aced his IFR license at 42 and flew around North America, to Iceland and Europe in his Cessna 414. Bart loved his family above all, and we treasured him and all the great memories we made at our Muldrew Lake cottage for 53 years. He was known for his sense of humour and loved a party with good friends. A warm, steadfast, and generous man, he was always accepting and kind. We were lucky to have him in our lives and will miss him every day. A celebration of Bart's life will take place on Saturday, April 26th, at 11 a.m. at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre – 375 Mount Pleasant Road. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Palliative Care Unit at Sunnybrook, or Kohai Life would be appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Mar. 29 to Apr. 2, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for BARRETT MCDONALD

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10 Entries

Single Memorial Tree

Deborah Lyver and family

Planted Trees

Carol Morrison

April 22, 2025

Having been a friend of Bart and Joan´s daughter Lisa for three decades, both Bart and Joan welcomed me into their family home or to their idyllic cottage for holiday dinners or simply just to sit and watch a movie, British series or maybe a comedy. Bart was quick to laugh and also to tell a funny story. His laugh was infectious and his voice was both reassuring and kind. He passed that sense of humour onto his daughter Lisa. And I won´t forget in the earlier years, the fight for the last bit of popcorn.

My deepest condolences to Joan, Lisa, Dave and Carrie. Bart loved you all dearly.

Carol Morrison

Linda and Norm Weitzel

April 5, 2025

Dear Joan and family,

We remember Bart and Joan as warm welcoming friends when we moved to Toronto in 1966 from Winnipeg. We shared so many laughs and good times together. Our nights showing slides...(remember those?) were legendary.
You will be missing that kind, gentle, funny man so much. Enjoy the happy memories.

Love, Norm and Linda

Joan E Forsythe

April 3, 2025

To my dear friend Bart, You, Joan and the kids have been in our lives since 1968, 57 years. We shared so many wonderful times in Toronto and at our cottages at Muldrew Lake.

We all loved Bart for his kindness, generosity and his great sense of fun.
Our lives were richer for being his good friend.
He is the best man that I have ever known and I will miss him very much.
With love, Joan Forsythe and family.

Michelle Cowan and Mike Carter

March 31, 2025

Dear Joan, Mike and I were so saddened to hear this news. The write up about Bart´s life is lovely. He is a kind man loved by all, forever. We will miss him deeply. Xo

Cluster of 50 Memorial Trees

JOHN AND MAUREEN BARBER

Planted Trees

Carolynn MacKinnon

March 30, 2025

Dear Joan,
My condolences on the loss of Bart- always a kind and generous gentleman. I know my parents counted you both as good friends.
Sincerely
Carolynn MacKinnon

Maureen and John Barber

March 30, 2025

It is our great joy and fortune to have been a close and dear friend of Bart's for over 50 years. His amazing humour and love of life will be missed by all who knew him. Bart was a kind, caring and generous friend. He will always be in our memories.

Ary Vander Hoeven

March 29, 2025

Good memories linger...volunteering at the Veterans Centre, coffee at Sunny´s, the occasional pub lunch to catch up, attending the yearly Remembrance Service at the Sunnybrook cenotaph ...I´ll miss you!
Rest in peace
Condolences to Joan and extended family.

Carol Eplett

March 29, 2025

It has been a privilege to know spend some quality time golfing and partying with " Bart" at Pelican Sound Golf and River Club in Estero Florida. He loved to celebrate and would rise to the occasion with a top hat and green bow tie for St Patrick´s Day, or whatever the event called for. He and Joan would be the last to leave the dance floor, and the first in line for Saturday night turkey dinner ! Whatever the reason, If you were in his company you were guaranteed a fun time. He was "one in a million" and will be deeply missed by all who knew h8m.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Memorial Events
for BARRETT MCDONALD

Apr

26

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Visitation Centre, Crematorium and Mausoleum

375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4T 2V8

Funeral services provided by:

Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Visitation Centre, Crematorium and Mausoleum

375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4T 2V8