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Jesse Moon donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER
Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Sandy’s mentorship and guidance will continue to have a long lasting impact on me and my professional career. I so appreciated the time he gave to helping me out. I was so sad to learn of his passing. My most sincere condolences.
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The Youldon Group posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
I have lost a part of me.
MacPherson (aka “Sandy”), who was the Best Man at my wedding, is gone.
It feels like your so-called “hometown” has been removed from the map. It is like going “back home” and your old street is gone, buildings are gone, and you are lost. You say “where am I.”
I first met MacPherson in elementary school. It was called Elmdale Public School. Then, we did the cross-town trek together to Connaught for “middle school.” At that time, that neighbourhood was rough, and our classmates were not nice to MacPherson and me. That is when we found out that MacPherson was very bright, and he joined the “advanced” class at that time. One of his teachers taught them Russian – can you believe that. Do you know what - MacPherson could have been a Russian spy.
After surviving Connaught – I think… we went to the famous Fisher Park High School on Harmer Avenue in Ottawa.
I lived one block away from the MacPherson house found at 134 Ruskin Street. I spent a lot of time in that house with the MacPhersons – Don, Myrle, Sandy, Muffie, Scott and Gayle. It was like a second family to me.
My name is “Goldie.” My real name is Paul Youldon, but one of the neighbourhood “gang” members – Tom Scobie came up with that and it stuck for life, as far as the MacPherson family was concerned. Don and Myrle would call me Goldie later in life and my poor wife would look and go – WTF?
The neighbourhood gang was made up of “MacPherson, Scobie, Doug Brown, Bill Harbord and Rick Labovitch.” We were together all the time. For me, this was my family and they raised me.
MacPherson started to show his “later in life skills” in public school where we won public speaking contests. His “career” took off from there.
In high school, Sandy and Rob Beattie were leaders in what was called the K club. We were like the junior Kiwanis, and we got things done at Fisher Park (HS). On Fridays, Sandy set up for us to join the Kiwanis Club for lunch at the Chateau Laurier – at their expense.
There are some Dentists in Sandy’s family – on his mother’s side. He went to Western, wanting to become a Dentist. That did not work out for him.
As noted at his service this week, Sandy was a free spirit. He loved his work with the International Boundary out west where his group had to clear out the trees and so forth to “show” the border between the US and Canada. Sandy’s soul is found in the mountains. He came back to the big city, but his soul remained out west. Years later, he worked with a friend in Jasper leading white water rafting trips for tourists.
So, after his degree in Biology, he is looking around and thinks – hey, let’s try this MBA, GMAT thing. He writes the exam and gets in the 91 percentile – no one does that with no prep. Well, that was MacPherson – the smartest guy in the room.
Then, Western says to Sandy – we know you are smart, but you have no business experience… Sandy returns to Ottawa and gets a middle management job with Hudson’s Bay. He goes to MBA school at Western, and the rest is history. What a career! He goes head-to-head “over the mahogany” as he used to call it – in the Labatt’s executive board room. He owned the room.
Sandy had very strong presence. Remember, no one in the room was smarter than Sandy. He learned very fast. He had the best social skills in the room. Give him some context, experience in the organization, and he would find a way to move things forward. But, don’t forget – his soul resided in the mountains, and so the Board Room did not intimidate him because he really could care less about all the pomp and circumstance. He was a dangerous business leader. You could not beat him; you just had to join him.
I am so pleased that MacPherson was part of my neighbourhood gang – so, so, many memories.
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David Hayes lit a candle
Wednesday, February 2, 2022
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David and Marcia Hayes donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER
Sandy was my idol. He always had a quick laugh and was willing to help, and teach. He was always on your side no matter what.
He had charm and wit and warmth like no other. Always full of vitality and a gentle tease to keep people in good spirits.
A lovely person taken far to early from the people he loved. His warmth will live on.
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Lise Martin lit a candle
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
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Chère Susan, je tiens à t’offrir mes plus sincères condoléances suite au décès de ton cher Sandy. Je comprends la profondeur de ton énorme chagrin et ne peux que souhaiter que les beaux souvenirs des années vécues à ses côtés t’apporteront un peu de réconfort. Le malheur de l’avoir perdu ne doit pas te faire oublier le grand bonheur que tu as eu de l’avoir connu et d’avoir partagé ta vie avec cet homme merveilleux qui semble avoir touché tant de gens. Il sera maintenant ton ange gardien. Il sera toujours près de toi ~ juste de façon différente. Et que de doux et beaux souvenirs tu garderas de lui.
My sincerest condolences to Lisa, Jason, Denis, Rick and other family members.
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Britt (Hendrix) Scott posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
As a friend of Lisa's for nearly 20 years (it pains me to say that) I can say that Sandy was always "one of us." He always made us kids laugh and was eager to share a drink with us (once we were of age, OF COURSE). He had a way of making you feel like he had known you for years and vice versa. I will miss his kind and lively spirit, and the way he always found irony and pleasure in the fact that this Kentucky girl preferred his Crown Royal. Cheers, Sandy. Thanks for always bringing the party.
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Ryan Gibson donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
When I met Sandy, it was instantly apparent how much he cared about helping his community succeed. This last year I got to work with him directly and I'll be forever grateful for everything he's done for me and others. My condolences to all his family - he will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
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Bill Ranson posted a condolence
Tuesday, February 1, 2022
After spending any amount of time with Sandy you could be sure of three things:
1. You would laugh. A big laugh and unafraid to laugh at himself or you. Great stories, great memories!
2. You’d learn something. I knew Sandy personally and professionally and always came away a little smarter than before our conversation.
3. He loved his family. I have not met Jason or Lisa but I know a lot about them. Sandy liked to talk about his kids and Sue. He loved them, was proud of them and had (no surprise) had great stories about them.
He was much loved and will be missed greatly.
Bill Ranson
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Steve & Patti Edmonds Family donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER
Monday, January 31, 2022
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john Gleason donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER
Monday, January 31, 2022
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Bill Wade uploaded photo(s)
Monday, January 31, 2022
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Sandy and I worked at Labatt a and he was great buddy at work and later the relationship grew into a personal one. He was a man full of integrity and good cheer. His marketing skills were at one time a little unorthodox but he was successful. He constantly had a smile on his glowing face. Where I got to know Sandy was our weekly commutes between Ottawa and Toronto. I was going home and he claimed he was going to see his parents. His parents...every single week? I never asked the question but the truth was he was in love and and the love of life was the Admin Assistant (Sue) in the Ottawa office. Surprise!! Neither Sue and Sandy let me on the secret. We talked at length about the our dreams and sports and politics while listening to 'Mike and Mechanics'. One of our highlights was doing a brand brand to the entire sales force with a little burlesque. We were a hit of the conference. I visited Sue and Sandy in the U.S. and at their Gatineau home and it was always a treat with lots of laughs and smiles plus a few beers. Memories I will never forget! Sandy left us far too early and he will be sorely missed. He was full of life and supported Lisa and Jason to which we would be proud as a parent. I miss his smile and laughter. My condolences and deepest of sympathy are with Sue. I loved you big guy!!!
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Wendy posted a condolence
Monday, January 31, 2022
To Susan,
We would like to offer our condolences to you and all the family for the loss of your Darling Sandy.
Our hearts go out to you all. Thinking of you in these difficult times.
Love you !! Wendy & Paulette.
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Wendy Dumas donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER
Monday, January 31, 2022
Our hearts go out to you and family.
We want you to know that We are with you in thoughts and Wish you comfort and peace.
Thinking of you in this difficult times.
Wendy & Paulette Dumas
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The Wade Family donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER
Sunday, January 30, 2022
Sandy played a significant role in helping me to bring up my kids. He was a 'man' if integrity and gave a balanced view on all issues affecting personal and professional life. He will be missed!
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Sharron Long donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER
Sunday, January 30, 2022
We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Sue and family. We will miss his warm smile, sense of humour and zest for life.
The Long Family
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John Gleason uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, January 30, 2022
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Sandy and I met at business school in 1979 which seeded a long close friendship. We were each the best man at our respective weddings, Pre-marriage we shared living accommodations and bachelor heroics in Vancouver and Toronto. As our careers evolved and respective families grew and kept in regular touch. My wife Pat and I had a memorable and cherished last visit with Sandy and Sue just before Christmas. All who knew Sandy benefited from his energy, enthusiasm, integrity, all-in passion and counsel. He was a true friend who left us too soon.
Love you Big Guy
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Mike Beckerman posted a condolence
Sunday, January 30, 2022
Sandy and I were roommates along with his dear friend John Gleason when we all coincidentally moved from Vancouver to Toronto in the late 80s. Sandy could fill a room with his booming laugh, quick wit and thoughtful comments. He was wicked bright and operating at the different level than the rest of us. Lots of fond memories, lots of pizza and always a full fridge. I remember he came back from a trip to Ottawa and suggested he met someone. He was head over heels in love and was so happy. Tragically Sandy has been taken away too early from Sue, his family and his many friends. He meant a lot to so many people and his friendship was one I will always treasure. My thoughts are with Sue and the family.
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Michèle Borchers and Michael Walker posted a condolence
Saturday, January 29, 2022
Difficult to express our feelings of loss so we let the poet speak for us.
Your neighbours, Michèle and Michael
Take this sorrow to thy heart,
and make it a part of thee,
and it shall nourish thee
till thou art strong again.
Longfellow
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tom scobie uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, January 29, 2022
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sandy was my best friend at elmdale and beyond. great times at killarney and playing games of all types. very sorry to hear about his passing. all my best to scott, gayle and muffie (sorry if you disgarded that nickname several decades ago. :)). God bless. tom scobie
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Ken cummings donated to CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY - SOCIÉTÉ CANADIENNE DU CANCER
Saturday, January 29, 2022
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Bruce Cummings purchased flowers
Friday, January 28, 2022
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Bruce Cummings
purchased the Country Basket Blooms for the family of Alexander MacPherson.
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I have so many fond memories of Sandy from our youth. My deepest condolences to Susan and the whole family.
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Nancy Young posted a condolence
Friday, January 28, 2022
We are so sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing. Although we were neighbours many years ago, we remember a caring family man who was enjoyable company and who was as successful in his professional endeavours as he was at home.
We have maintained an indirect connection over the years through our respective daughters who have remained close.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Sue; Lisa, Wes & Cameron; Jason & Emily. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Vince and Nancy Young
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Jan Harrison uploaded photo(s)
Friday, January 28, 2022
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It is hard to imagine a world without Sandy, my heart hurts for you guys. Sending you peace while you navigate your new normal.
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Joanie, Dick, Danny and Ryan purchased flowers
Friday, January 28, 2022
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Joanie, Dick, Danny and Ryan
purchased the Florist Choice Bouquet for the family of Alexander MacPherson.
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With deepest sympathy,
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Colleen Gray posted a condolence
Friday, January 28, 2022
Our gentle condolences to all of the McPhersons as you move through this very difficult time. Gayle my own experiences tell me that losing your brother is a hard journey to take. I'm so sorry my friend. Our fire is here for you whenever you need the comfort of it's warmth.
With kind thoughts,
Fred and Colleen
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nancy wigdale uploaded photo(s)
Friday, January 28, 2022
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I never had the privilege of meeting this man. The last 3 years I did get to know him a little via text, face time and time spent with his son listening to stories. My daughter will be marrying Sandy's son, Jason, in October and not having Sandy there will be a huge void but we will find a way to honor and bring Superman into their special day. My thoughts and prayers are with Sue, Lisa, Wes, Cam, Jason and Emily and to the rest of his family and friends. Love and Hugs to all, Nancy
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Nicole Scheidl posted a condolence
Friday, January 28, 2022
Sandy was a trusted advisor to many of us who worked with him through Invest Ottawa and became a highly valued friend. We will miss his wisdom but most of all his laughter. He was such a joy to be with.
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Stu Ballantyne posted a condolence
Thursday, January 27, 2022
My thoughts are with Sue and the McPherson Clan today. Sandy was a great man and one of the brightest people I ever had the chance to meet and spend time with. God speed.
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Darlene Mahoney posted a condolence
Thursday, January 27, 2022
My deepest sympathies to you and the family at this time. Darlene Mahoney
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The family of Alexander (Sandy) MacPherson uploaded a photo
Thursday, January 27, 2022
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Cole Funeral Services:
2500 Baseline Road,
Ottawa, Ontario K2C 3H9
Telephone: (613) 831-7122
info@colefuneralservices.com