Robert Muir MCDONALD

1929 - 2021

ROBERT MUIR MCDONALD December 22, 1929 - September 16, 2021 Robert Muir McDonald died on September 16, 2021 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Toronto, Canada. The loving son of William and Jane McDonald; brother of James, William and Blair; the devoted husband of Sheila; father of Louise, Robert and Blair; and grandfather of Lauren and Andrea. Robert "Rab" McDonald was 91 years of age. Rab possessed a keen mind, a sharp wit and a legendary memory. Even in old age, he recited poems he learned as a school boy with aplomb. Rab was born and raised in Paisley, Scotland. In the early 1950s he made the acquaintance of Sheila Louis MacJannett. They married in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 14, 1954. The union of Rab and Sheila proved as enduring as it was magical. Where one person began and the other ended, was not always apparent. The marriage spanned over six decades and remains central to Rab's legacy. Like most lives, Rab's had its highs and lows. When a young couple, Rab and Sheila lost their first child to cancer. After this loss, they boarded a ship and sailed to Montreal, Canada, eventually settling in Toronto, where a new chapter awaited them. Many happy decades followed, with summers spent at the cottage on Georgian Bay, and winter getaways in Florida fitted into the calendar to sustain the family until the season turned. Rab's love of art spanned literature, poetry and music. Rab was an avid fiddler. His taste in music encompassed classical, Scottish fiddle music, opera and even select contemporary offerings, such as the Animal's 1964 hit, House of the Rising Sun. Rab loved whistling - indeed you would often hear him before seeing him round a corner. After retiring, Rab cofounded Braemar College in 1995. He was part financier, part accountant, part sounding board. The college attained many distinctions during his long tenure. He remained on its Board of Directors until the end. In 2014, the Robert McDonald Award of Excellence was established in his name at Ryerson University. Each year a deserving student is awarded the scholarship. In 2021, the scholarship was awarded to Temikunfayo Obayemi. Rab will be remembered for his decency, his kind spirit and sharp mind. The towering example of integrity he set will forever mark those who knew him, those who loved him, and so dearly miss him. His memory will be treasured, always. A memorial will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at Braemar College (5th floor) at 229 College Street, Toronto, M5T-1R4. Those wishing to attend should RSVP: memorial@braemarcollege.com In lieu of flowers, we ask donations be directed to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.