Daniel James MacDonald

DANIEL  MACDONALD

(1943-2020)

   Mr. Daniel James MacDonald, beloved husband of Lillian MacDonald of Blairmore, Alberta, passed away at the Crowsnest Pass Health Centre on June 9, 2020 with his devoted family by his side. 

   Dan was born on June 2, 1943 in Cadomin, Alberta to loving parents, Mamie & Hector MacDonald.  He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force at the age of eighteen years and served our country for a decade.  Upon completion of his certification as a technician for air conditioning and refrigeration systems, he gained employment in the Calgary area for many years.  He then went to work in Edmonton as a Drill Collar labourer but this was for only a brief period due to a tragic accident in 1980 that claimed his sister Bonnie’s life and left Dan severely burned and broken not only in body but in spirit.  Dan moved to the Crowsnest Pass where he found work with Atlas Lumber and later with R&R Lumber.

   In 1989, Dan found the true love of his life, Lillian, and was blessed with a ready-made family who welcomed him with open hearts.  He loved being a Dad and a Grandpa!  He was devoted to his family and worked hard to provide for their needs.  He obtained his Boiler’s Ticket and was granted employment with the Crowsnest Pass high school as Head Custodian until his well-earned retirement at the age of sixty.

   Dan and Lil were so proud of their lovely home and immaculate yard.  They tackled everything together and shared time well spent fishing, hunting, golfing, curling and socializing in the Coleman Legion where he was a member for the past 38 years.  Dan excelled in whatever he set his mind to and this included playing pool; he won a championship pool tournament in Calgary at the No. 1 Legion competing against the whole city.  He certainly lived up to his reputation of being and all around good guy and a fine gentleman.  He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.

   Left to mourn his passing include his family: his devoted wife, Lillian May MacDonald of Blairmore, AB; his daughter, Cheryl (Bruce) Cherniak; his grandchildren, Amanda, Danielle (Pete) and Katelyn; his great grandchildren, Ava, Kylie and Brooklyn; his sister, Kathy (Dick) Koentges of Blairmore; his in-laws, Cam and Bob Sanelli and Heather MacDonald of Ontario; his nephew, Jamie (Lorena) Dambois of San Diego; his aunt Kathleen Ross of Saskatoon; as well as many extended family and friends - especially, Rick (Sue) Koentges, Lane, Bryan and Jared.

   He was predeceased by his parents, Mamie and Hector MacDonald; his sister, Bonnie Dambois and brother-in-law, Dave MacDonald.

   A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date during safer times.  Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.  Donations may be directed towards the Royal Canadian Legions’ Poppy Fund, PO Box 448, Coleman, AB T0K 0M0.

Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403)562-8555.

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