Obituary of John Murray MacDonald

Died peacefully, close to loving family on Monday October 10, 2022, at his residence in The Court at Barrhaven.  John joins his wife Eleda Stewart MacDonald who predeceased him in 1979. John is survived by his longtime loving partner, Ms. Stephanie Wylie of Hamilton, Ontario.

John Murray MacDonald, born on June 3, 1934, to Archie (Martin) and Vera MacDonald (nee Howell) in Ottawa, Ontario. Learning the benefits of working hard early, John would work his paper route, and then pack bread most mornings before starting school.

John continued his education and graduated from Ottawa Technical High School.  Throughout his teens, John loved to travel west, where he spent summers with relatives and learned about farming and hunting and developed a passion for horses and the outdoors. He had an adventurous streak which led him to live and work in various parts of Ontario, British Columbia, Colorado, and Florida. His natural sales ability enabled his successful endeavors in Real Estate including, sales and marketing, land development and home building.

John is survived by his sister Pat Stewart and his children, Glen (Diane), David, Judy (Louis) and Lynne (Don) and grandchildren Tyler (Candace), Kristin (Riley) and Ryan (Leah), great grandchildren, Jaxon and Harper as well as an extended family of nieces, nephews and their children. Predeceased by his brother Allan (Pat) and his grandson Braeden.

John was a fun-loving man with an easy-going manner and contagious sense of humor who enjoyed entertaining and hosting family and friends at reunions and celebrations. His jazz music was always on loud, unless of course there was a Sunday golf tournament, often signaling a late dinner.  He was constantly reading and learning throughout his life and enjoyed sharing his knowledge to help others develop creative solutions to life and business challenges.

He will be missed by his family and friends and his cool cats, Cleo and Alex.  A Celebration of Life gathering is being planned in Ottawa for next year on his birthday.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Ottawa Humane Society.