William Macdonald

MACDONALD _ William Allan January 21, 1944 - March 17, 2007 Bill Macdonald passed away peacefully at the Red Deer Hospice surrounded by his family on March 17, 2007, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Bill was born in Calgary to Edna (nee Gillanders) and Allan Macdonald, and raised in the Okotoks district of Alberta foothills. Bill completed his high school education in Calgary, and went on to complete the Gas Technology program at NAIT in Edmonton. In 1967, Bill was wed to Penny Munn of the Delburne area, where they resided and raised a family. Bill was employed at the Nevis Gas Plant for many years, until he turned to farming full time. Bill was deeply involved with the Delburne community, from the activities of the children to curling. Bill was also an active member of the Delburne Elks and Delburne Ag Society for many years. In 1994, Bill was married to Donna Katan. Bill owned and operated the home-finishing business (Quality Pac) in Red Deer for five years, before his health started to decline. Bill and Donna continued to live and contribute to the Delburne community, until they moved to Trochu in 2003. This move placed them closer to Donna's work, and the community truly welcomed and embraced its new residents. Bill will be sadly missed by his loving wife, Donna; and his three children - Scott (Colette) of Delburne, Bonnie (Ed) of Courtenay, B.C., and Lana of Blackfalds; his two stepsons - Darrell (Jackie) and Darwin (Dawn). Ever dear to Bill's heart were his grandchildren - Andrew, Nicole and Hannah, and step-grandchildren - Ashton, Lance, Desiree and Dominic - who will all miss their Papa greatly. Bill's true calling in life was that of being a grandfather. Bill was predeceased by his parents and one brother-in-law, Bill Mason, and is survived by his brother, Larry (Gloria) of Okotoks, and his three sisters, Colleen Mason of Toledo, OH, Jane Peterson of Colorado Springs, CO, and Marion of Ponoka, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill will also be greatly missed by special cousins, Donna (Tom) Murray of Calgary, Terry (Marge) Laycraft of Blackie. Special friends, Bill and Donna Martynes and Allen and Diana Powell will also miss Bill's quick wit, quest for knowledge and desire to help wherever he could. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Lora Ligate, and the Red Deer Hospice Society. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Bill's memory directly to the Red Deer Hospice Society. A Service to celebrate Bill's life will be held on Saturday, March 24 at 2:00 p.m. at the Trochu Baptist Fellowship Centre. Arrangements entrusted to Prairie Winds Funeral Home, Trochu. Telephone: 1-403-442-2200.