It is with great sadness that the family of Rod McDonald announces his passing on Friday, Sept. 8, 2006 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont. at the age of 77.
Rod was born Sept. 1, 1929 in Emo, Ont. to Bill and Claira McDonald. On Nov. 6, 1947, he was united in marriage to Lillian Hodson.
Rod retired from Boise Cascade Canada in 1994 with more than 40 years of accident-free service. He started at Mando Camp 309 in 1954. In 1964, he became a mechanic.
He worked at Camp S113 in Atikokan, Ont., then moved to Fort Frances in 1974 as shop foreman at Central Garage. In 1979, he was active as a harvesting forester in the Seine River area until his retirement.
On Nov. 13, 2004, Rod was united in marriage to Diane Lange-Devlin.
Rod enjoyed the time he spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed going out for coffee and socializing with friends.
Rod loved life, and always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. He liked old John Wayne western movies and old-time country music, and he always took pride in his automobiles.
Rod was a kind and generous man, and will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
Rod is survived by his wife, Diane McDonald of Fort Frances, Ont.; his children, Diane (Garry) Demchuk of Atikokan, Ont. and Cal (Nancy) McDonald of Sudbury, Ont.; grandchildren, Mark (Rachel) Skinner of Thunder Bay, Ont., Kim (Kirt) Pfeifer of Atikokan, Ont., and Dan McDonald of Toronto, Ont.; and great-grandchildren, Joshua and Matthew Skinner of Thunder Bay, Ont., and Kendra and Kiara Pfeifer of Atikokan, Ont.
Also surviving are his stepchildren, Siobhan (Jamie) Booth and grandson, Parker, of Emo, Ont., and Erin Devlin of Fort Frances, Ont.; two brothers, Kenneth and Stanley; and one sister, Jean Bolen.
He was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Claira McDonald; first wife, Lillian McDonald; brothers, Colin, Frank, Don, Ron, and Merle; and sisters, Mildred and Lena.
A memorial service will be held Friday, Sept. 15, 2006 at 1 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Frances. Pastor Ken Johnson will officiate.
The honourary pallbearers will be Rod’s nephews.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Crohns Foundation or the charity of your choice.