George Lewis MacDonald

GEORGE MacDONALD

(1932-2021)

     A Family Man...

     There are many who attempt to live up to the high expectations of such a title. George Lewis MacDonald was one who succeeded.

     On Thursday July 15, George, beloved Father and Father-Figure-To-Many, both near and dear and faraway, finally lost his years-long valiant battle with cancer.

     He was born November 30, 1932 in Coleman, Alberta to Gladys and Gordon MacDonald; both sadly gone from us for many years now.

    George, his parents and brothers David, Trevor and Gordon, lived in Coleman during his youth but there was a period in which the family briefly moved to Prince Edward Island, for what George later jokingly recalled as “too long...with too much lobster trapping and not enough fly fishing”. Thankfully, they decided on a much-welcomed return to Coleman.

     As a young man, George later moved to Prince George, BC. This was done on the recommendation of his brother, Trev, specifically for work, but far more importantly, to meet someone special.

    Her name was Nancy Collins, the younger sister to Trev’s girlfriend and future wife, Marguerite. It was, as those of us who still believe in storybook romance would say, love at first sight, and they remained together for close to 65 years.

     After getting married on June 28, 1957, George and Nancy moved to White Rock, BC where the happy couple had four children: David, Donna, Debbie and Devin -  forever to be known as the “Four D’s”.

     George’s life came full circle once again with another return to Coleman, AB in 1972, this time with his own loving family by his side. This was where George would be for the rest of his many, many happy years witnessing the birth of seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

     Work life for George included co-owning and running a MacDonald Family Sheet Metal business in White Rock and later a new career as a Plumber/Gasfitter for the Kaiser/ Westar Coal Mine in the nearby Elk Valley.

     Of course George pursued many of his personal interests both in White Rock and Coleman: he belonged to the Elks and volunteered at the Crowsnest Community Christian Centre, he enjoyed wood-working, fly fishing, storytelling for the young folk, walking his beloved pet dogs, but most of all, taking time to be with his family. In his family, there was always room for one more and many were pleased to discover they were more than welcome to be considered a close member of his inner circle of friendship, support and love.

     George, Dad, “Dadio”, Uncle George, Grampa, Great Grampa, and, oh yes, dear Ludwig too, you will be missed, but not forgotten.

     Besides his parents, George is also sadly pre-deceased by his wonderful companions in fishing, hunting and general tomfoolery, his three brothers, Dave, Trev and Gord.

     George is survived by his wife, Nancy MacDonald; children, David MacDonald (Karen MacDonald), Donna MacDonald (Patrick Marshall), Debbie Dziuba (Francis Dziuba), and Devin MacDonald (Wendy Stone); grandchildren, Brandon MacDonald (Krysta MacDonald), Christopher Walkey (Jolene Miller), Kristy Dziuba (Levon Montgomery), Shelley Dziuba (Tyson Collett), Jadee Dziuba (Tyler Scheidl), Frankie Dziuba (Aiden Scott), and Kobe Dziuba: great-grandchildren, Hollie-Rose Linteris, Aries Linteris, Memphis Montgomery, Elias Dziuba-Scott, Castiel Dziuba-Scott, Joseph Collett, Jacob Walkey and Layla Walkey; plus numerous nieces and nephews including Margaret Tennant, Randall MacDonald, Leslie Bratcher, Gordon MacDonald, Charleen Symons and Angie Marra.

     A Private Family “Celebration of Life” will be held with Pastor Al Robinson presiding.

    The family would like to thank the various doctors, nurses and other caregivers who helped George over the years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Crowsnest Community Christian Centre P.O. Box 700, Coleman, AB. T0K 0M0. Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

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

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