J. Robert MacDonald

August 2, 1929 – January 24, 2018

Died peacefully the evening of Wednesday, January 24th after a brief stay at Willoughby Hospice where family members shared his last hours at the age of 88. Bob of Apple Hill, Ontario beloved husband of Jean for over 65 years. Loving father of Gary (Anne), Mike (Carol), Teresa (Brian), and Douglas (Sue). Cherished grandfather of Christine (Tyler), Janet, Scott (Sara), Bryce, Brennen, Mitchell, Dylan and great grandfather to Colton, Jordan, Wyatt, and Piper. Predeceased by his sister Ursula and brother Claude, he is survived by his brother Angus.

As a young man he heeded the call to duty, serving as an officer (queens commission) during the Korean conflict. He shared his skill training officers and teaching artillery. Bob followed that by working on the St. Lawrence Seaway in the early 50s as he and Jean started their young family. He continued his work in management to help develop Inco Mine in Thompson Manitoba. Bob’s flair for getting things done lead him across Canada to help build the Hugh Keenleyside Dam near Castlegar, BC. In 1969, now with four children, he moved his family to the Kamloops area to help start the Lornex mine, the town of Logan Lake and the church within. A year was taken in 1981 to fulfill a dream and sail from Ontario to the Bahamas and back. Not one to be long idle, he soon helped to start Obed-Marsh Coal Mine near Hinton, spent a trio of years with a small business at Lewis Creek, and followed that up with work on another mine, Mount Polly near Likely, BC. After retiring at 69, family and friends would seek his council and company in the quiet village of Whitecroft until some time later he became more accessible by moving into Kamloops. Bob felt a special connection to Kamloops and three generations have shared in his accomplishment by continuing at Lornex and now Highland Valley Copper. He was a principled individual and a man of integrity. Many valued friendships held a special place in his heart.

We are extremely grateful to the care and attention he received from Dr. Sven Kip, Dr Nairn and the wonderful volunteers, care staff and nurses at Kamloops Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring of 2018. Persons wishing to send flowers or make a donation can do so to Kamloops Hospice in Bob’s name.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at DrakeCremation.com

• Date : 2018-01-24
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.