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Sheila Macdonald Obituary

MACDONALD, Sheila (née Masterman) We are devastated to announce the sudden passing of Sheila Macdonald (née Masterman) at the age of 62, on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at her home aboard the 'North Star of Herschel Island' in Vancouver. Sheila was born and raised in Waterloo. She is survived by Bruce, her husband and partner of 38 years and by her daughters Maida and Isabel (Alex). She is also survived by her father Jack Masterman (Theresa), sister Chris Murray (Brian), brothers Lawrie (Susan), Keith (Chris), Derek (Robin), and many nieces and nephews. Sheila was predeceased by her mother Isabel in 1990. Sheila is gone far too early but leaves us with the remembrance of a life well and adventurously lived. In 1988, she and Bruce drove west to British Columbia from Ontario to live on the ocean. They settled first in a home in Victoria where they ran a nautical book store before buying the North Star, the last Canadian Arctic fur trading ship. Sheila and Bruce raised their family aboard, first in Victoria and then in Vancouver. She was creative, compassionate and devoted to helping others, working at such places as the CNIB, March of Dimes and group homes for people with severe mental and physical disabilities. She was also a caring and loving mother to two foster children. She had a dry wit and a broad set of interests and creative talents such as wood-working, cooking and baking, ship maintenance, crossword puzzles, and more. Sheila, most of all, loved her family and living with them on the water. They sailed thousands of miles together using the sails that she sewed and sharing the hard work needed to keep the North Star of Herschel Island in top shape. She was a brave voyager and leaves us better for being with her. She will be sorely missed. As per her request, there will be no service. If desired, in lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to 'No Borders Animal Rescue Society' or 'Sea Shepherd Conservation Society'.
Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Mar. 13 to Mar. 15, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Sheila Macdonald

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22 Entries

Karen Abel

April 3, 2021

Dear Bruce, Maida and Isabel,

I am so deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Sheila's sudden death. I remember Sheila well from the times she spent in my classroom assisting with the children and on field trips. Michal and I enjoyed visits to your ship. Sheila was a woman of great integrity and compassion who faced challenges openly and directly. I had great respect for Sheila and can only imagine how devastating this loss must be for you and Evan and his sister. Please accept our deepest condolences. Karen and Michael Abel - Victoria

Pat/Tony Thompson/Latimer

April 1, 2021

Sheila will be sadly missed. Living with our boats close together has left us with many fond memories. Her smile would light up the darkest days and nights. Always encouraging and affirming. We loved the mischief behind her grin. We learned so much about food and childcare and tackling every obstacle! There's nothing Sheila would not attempt with joy and enthusiasm. We will not forget! Pat and Tony, schooner Forbes &Cameron

Duane Elverum

March 23, 2021

Goodbye Shiela. What a loss. I’ll remember you for many things - lending me your sewing machine, giving me these flowers for my salon, making the sails @northstarsailor, moving boats with you, passing around delicious pastries, sharing tequila shots, and laughing all the laughs. What a treasure.

Sandie and Charly Schultz

March 20, 2021

We were all so very fortunate to be blessed with Sheila's creative energy, kind, honest and open heart ~ delivered most times with a droll and devastating wit. She will be remembered dearly by many whose lives she touched with compassion and Grace. Wishing her Sweet Spirit a loving Adieu.

Brad Parker & Sheryl Williamson

March 19, 2021

We are deeply saddened by Sheila’s sudden passing and can only imagine the immense grief felt by family. Our sincere condolences to you all.

Our fondest recollections of Sheila will always be of her warm, genuine smile and her kind and giving heart.

This photo, onboard The North Star and under the Burrard Bridge on a glorious spring day, is what we will hold on to. Our hope is that memories shared bring comfort and solace to you, Bruce, and your family; we hold you, and fond memories of Sheila, in our hearts.

May you find warm winds and smooth sailing, Sheila. RIP

Rob Kondratowski

March 19, 2021

My wife, Ellen and I were always so impressed in the way Sheila looked after the Marina, it's people and it's visitors. Her voluntary work and experience with mental health and related issues was obvious when she dealt with various situations that sprung up on the docks. She always had everyone's best interest in mind and treated all with the upmost respect.

For me, Sheila was just the best neighbor you could ask for. Ellen and I were always welcomed warmly when we ran into Sheila at the Harbor. She always had words of encouragement and thoughtful insight into our wooden boat maintenance projects. We shared many thoughts, jokes, ideas and drinks together at Heritage Harbor while contemplating on how to make our boats and the world a better place. Wooden boats and the world are complicated and difficult things to fix. Sometimes things just happen...and it can't be fixed.

I know how much Bruce loved Sheila, and vice versa. I never met their children but heard many great stories and know that there was much love to go around. I know the hole that has been left in your lives.

For Bruce and family; My deepest sympathy. I have lost loved ones as well and felt that pain and emptiness. If I can offer some advice in your sorrow it would be to embrace it. Not everyone is so lucky to share their lives with such a wonderful person, and to know that loss. Although it is incredibly hard, try to remember how lucky you were to have had Sheila as part of your lives....... She was just so lovely.

Rest in peace Sheila.

If there is anything Ellen or I can do to help, no matter how big or small, do not hesitate to ask.....that's what neighbors are for

Robert Kondratowski

Bob McAdam

March 18, 2021

Sheila lived an exquisite life with Bruce on their own terms. Literally masters of their own destiny on the ocean. She was a lovely person who was kind to me and kind to others and I am proud to be considered a friend. Sheila was a private person but there was never a question that as well as being ship mates they were both soul mates.
A devoted Mum, independent, forthright and loyal I will miss her.

Valerie and Arnt Arntzen

March 18, 2021

We are saddened to lose our neighbour on the dock. Will miss that laugh and the twinkle in her eye when she was telling a good story. Our hearts go out to you dear Bruce.

Peter

March 18, 2021

Sad & shocking. I'm glad I got to share numerous goofy stories with Sheila on our trips around False Creek. She always had a warm sense of humour and a ready smile. I am truly sorry for your loss. Jann & I send our love to you Bruce.

Jacqueline Iverson

March 18, 2021

did not really know her, but met her when I was a teenager at Brigs and as an adult in Victoria. She was always so kind and just a lovely person. I know you two loved each other dearly. I am sending love and light to you and your family Bruce.

Lee Houghton

March 18, 2021

I’ll miss Sheila. Although I didn’t know her for long, or closely, I always felt happy when I saw her, either at the dock here in Kits Point. We would meet on the wee ferry going over to the west end too. She had a presence.
I’m sorry she has left us so early.

Amanda Slade

March 18, 2021

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Daniel Friesen

March 17, 2021

Dear Bruce and family, I only had the honour of knowing Sheila for the last few years, but she was such an important presence at the dock. Her gentle laughter brightened the place, and her hospitality warmed our hearts. I remember fondly the apple pie baked aboard North Star!
Sheila will be missed, and you're in my thoughts as you grieve her loss.

Grace MacDonald

March 17, 2021

When I was about 14, Aunt Sheila noticed that I was doing a crossword in pen. She gave an approving nod and said "brave", and then she helped me finish it.
I remember her as witty and patient and steady and generous. Her cooking was fantastic. She was practical and helpful. I grieve that I will not know her as an adult, but I am so grateful for the time I got with her. She was truly special.

Bruce, Maida, Isabel - You are all in my thoughts. We love you so much.

Mark & Norma DeWolfe

March 17, 2021

Sheila our beautiful neighbour for so many years. We loved your smile we loved having those talks on the dock and you laughed at it all! Raised our children. Your dry wit always help make our day a bit brighter. Our prayers are with you Sheila as you enter your next journey. Bruce Maida Isabelle and all your family we hold you in our hearts during this so sad time Mark Norma j and our family

Carolyn Stobbart

March 17, 2021

We docked our 36' sailboat at the Coast Hotel marina in Victoria for 5 winters 1999-03. This is where I met and became friends with the most inspiring mother of 4, Sheila Macdonald, who was raising her 2 kids and 2 foster kids on the ship, North Star of Hershel Island. She was a tremendous support through the early years of liveaboard child rearing and warm helpful friend. My boys adored her and loved to play with her kids on North Star. I cannot believe she is gone, taken way too soon from her soulmate and captain R Bruce Macdonald. R.I.P my dear friend. ❤

Francesca Kam

March 15, 2021

Dear Bruce Maida Isabel n Luna: I'm truly sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathy here. I just know every time when I'm at the beach I will b thinking of Sheila. She and her long hair dived into the summer sea. We shared many sweet watermelons together. The time she loaned me her 'trademark' shirt because it was all of a sudden so windy n cold at the beach. That time she swam miles away around the bend to retrieve Basil' ball because I didn't know how to swim. Sheila famous cookies for Basil n many many happy moments/memories. A honest caring n very humors person. I'm feeling your losses. My deepest condolences. Herschel Island and Heritage Harbor isn't the same without Sheila.
Stay strong Bruce. In loving memory of a truly wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Hugh MacDonald

March 14, 2021

Sheila was a kind and gentle and beautiful lady. My life was greatly enriched by knowing her. She will be greatly missed and always remembered with gratitude and love. I could never have had a finer or better daughter-in-law.

Merv Schmit

March 13, 2021

Bruce, so sorry to read of your loss. My thoughts are of you and your family. Words are inadequate at these times. Take care.

Louise Jullion

March 13, 2021

Dear Bruce, Maida, Isabel,
I am so devastated to hear of the passing of your beloved partner and mother. My heart is aching for you. I hold you all in my prayers. I remember you all so fondly, and know what a devastating loss this is for you. I hope our paths will cross again some day....

Jared McClelland

March 13, 2021

I remember Sheila from her time working at Dominion Life in Waterloo, ON (early 80’s?). Lovely person. What a fascinating life she lead. My condolences to all. Sail on, Sheila.

Jonathan Walford

March 13, 2021

We are unbelievably saddened to hear the news of Sheila's passing. We have such fond memories of both Sheila, and you Bruce (aka Shoely and Boots), from the late 1980s when we moved to Toronto and took the apartment next door to you on Havelock street. You were our closest friends (figuratively and literally) until your destiny took you to the west coast. We drifted apart over the years but never lost our fond memories of the wonderful times we had spent together.

Sheila was always a willing model for our fashion show presentations and I think this photo is my favourite of her having fun backstage at a show on October 30, 1985 for the East York Historical Society.

We have only good memories of Sheila, and will treasure them forever.
Love, Jonathan and Kenn

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Memorial Events
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