Harry MACDONELL

Harry Winsor Macdonell died in Toronto, on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. He is survived by his daughter, Nicole (Tim Wright); his sons, Ian (Brenda) and Winsor (Erin). He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Cody Wright (Jillian), Madeleine Wright (Hank Kauffman), Kyle Wright, Brighid, Aidan, Ross, and Claire. Harry married twice; first to Marie (1932-2003), and subsequently to Barbara Mackenzie, who survives him. Harry was born in Toronto, and spent his childhood in various parts of Ontario, graduating from Lakefield College School, Carlton University, and Osgoode Hall Law School. He joined Fasken and Calvin (now Fasken), becoming a partner in 1962. He left Fasken in 1970 for Rio Tinto, in Montreal to serve in various positions including Chief Executive Officer of both Brinco Limited, and Churchill Falls (Labrador) Corporation. In 1975, he joined McCarthy & McCarthy (now McCarthy Tétrault), as a partner and served as Managing Partner of the firm from 1985 to 1989, and played a key role in its transformation into a national law firm. Over his career, he worked on energy projects with companies around the world and served as chair of Canadian Niagara Power Company Limited and Opinac Energy Corporation. He also served as a director of public and private companies including Woodbridge Foam Corporation from its inception, Canadian Tire Corporation, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Standard Life Assurance Company of Edinburgh, SNC Lavalin Group Inc., Caldwell Partners International Inc., Wajax Limited, ICI Canada Inc. and 3M Canada Inc. Harry had a deep love of life, family, and good food. He had a strong passion for skiing, sailing, Christmas, and travel, which he instilled in all his children and grandchildren. We will miss the joy he felt whenever any of us spoke of a ski adventure, a great trip, a newly discovered Christmas gizmo or a geography question that resulted in consulting the family atlas for resolution (he was almost always right). The family would like to thank Janet Bastistin, for her tireless and kind care of Harry in his final years. A private celebration of life will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in his memory to Spinal Cord Injury Ontario (520 Sutherland Dr. Toronto, ON M4G 3V9), a cause that he supported for many years.