GALE DONALDSON

It is with great sadness that the family of Gale Donaldson announces his passing on Thursday, July 9, 2009 at Rainycrest Long Term Care in Fort Frances, Ont.
Gale was born Aug. 16, 1922 in Nokomis, Sask. to Jasper Marlin Donaldson and Doris May (Mould) Donaldson.
The family returned to Ontario when he was about three years old and except for employment reasons and military service, Gale resided on the family farm being the South 1/2, Lot 12, Concession 3 in Burriss Township until moving to Emo, Ont. in June, 2002.
He attended Burriss Consolidated School, Fort Frances High School, and Emo Continuation School, which he left before graduation.
Early employment was on the home farm and for local employers. In 1939, at age 17, he went west for the harvest and when finished, he then travelled east to pick apples in the Georgian Bay area, returning home in December of that year.
In November, 1942, he was enrolled into basic training in Fort William, Ont., served in Canada only, was discharged in April, 1944, and returned home to civil employment.
He was able to accept employment the next January as camp clerk in the Mando logging division, where he remained for six or seven years. Later, Gale worked for a number of other firms as well as larger contracting firms Towland Paving and CA Pitts Construction Ltd.
Over a number of years, he was employed by different mining exploration companies that optioned properties in many townships of the district.
During this time, Gale and friend Bill Beninger formed a line-cutting and claim-staking partnership, working sometimes by the day or on a contract basis which they made pay by taking foolish risks and hardships.
In 1970, he was hired by the late Earle Newman as accountant at Mel Newman Ltd. and its associate firm. In 1976, he became vice-president and general manager of the company’s operations in both Atikokan and Fort Frances.
From Jan. 1, 1986 until his retirement in August, 1987, Gale also worked for the succeeding Ford dealership and assisted in setting up accounting and finance while there.
In his later years, Gale remarked that he never remembered being employed as a result of a written application and in the age of résumés, often professionally prepared, thought he would not be so fortunate.
As well as working for others, Gale very much enjoyed the activities of raising cattle and crops, and gardening. He also enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, and especially hunting.
He was a proud supporter of his children’s various interests, hobbies, and endeavours, especially their musical talents. He also took great pride in his family heritage, and was especially proud that descendants of the original Donaldson homesteaders from 1898 still remain on that farm in Burriss.
Gale was always interested in his genealogy, local history, and map reading, and was interested in the surveys and geology of the area. He also was very fond of the Fort Frances Times and was a great fan of the Emo Fair.
Gale was predeceased by his brother, Lyle, in February, 1957; his father, Jasper, in January, 1969; and his mother, Doris, in March, 2001.
He also was predeceased by an infant granddaughter, Sarah Mosbeck, in 1978; mother-in-law, Ivah Anderson; and brothers-in-law, Glen Manty, Lawrence McLeod, and Alan Anderson.
On Dec. 22, 1956, Gale married Elizabeth Anderson of Box Alder, Ont. Together, they raised their eight children on the family farm in Burriss. Anyone who knew Gale will have probably heard the line, “I have seven boys and every one of them has a sister.”
He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; one daughter, Emily (Tom Mosbeck); and seven sons, Ross (Denise), Lee (Leanne), Jerry (Nancy), Mark, Guy (Kelly Spicer), Brian, and Rob Roy (Heather Campbell).
Grandchildren include Scott Mosbeck (Michelle), Jay Mosbeck (Janene), Eric Mosbeck (Hope Wilson), Nathalie (Matt Calder), Logan, David, Nicholas, Julianna, Teddy, Jason, Justin, Mallory, Emily, Mira, and Rowan Donaldson.
There are four great-grandchildren, Cameron, Teagan, Austin, and Jack Mosbeck.
Also surviving are two sisters, Crete McLeod and Sheila Manty; sisters-in-law, Marion Poutanen, Inez Anderson, and Janet Anderson; brothers-in-law, Eric Anderson and Ralph Poutanen; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 13, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, with Rev. Frances Flook officiating.
The honorary pallbearers will be Gale’s seven sons and son-in-law.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Parkinsons Society of Canada or the Emo Health Centre c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com