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Penny Mitchell planted 3 trees in memory of Paul MacDonald
Friday, April 18, 2025
3 trees were planted in memory of
Paul MacDonald
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Paul loved gardening and his beautiful efforts showed it. Rest in peace. We will remember you always. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Patrick Boase uploaded photo(s)
Friday, April 18, 2025
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Paul was a dear friend who taught me much. We would take long walks in winter and discuss the state of the world. He would always have wonderful perspectives... Paul had the rare abilities to not only sway, but be swayed, by good argument. He was a great teacher, as evidenced by so many former students' tributes. He will be missed. My thoughts go out to Gloria, Andrew, John, Annie and Keith who all know what a treasure of a human being we lost. Rest in peace Paul.
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Penny Mitchell posted a condolence
Friday, April 18, 2025
Our deepest condolences to dear Gloria, Andrew, John, Anne and Keith on the passing of a wonderful husband and brother. Paul’s family and mine grew up together in Manor Park. Many a football or road hockey game were played together on Dunvegan Rd. We spent many Christmas dinners rotating from the MacDonalds and the Potters. When the MacDonalds moved to Rockcliffe Park we would spend an afternoon or early evening at the sandpits. The love for this gem of an area continued on with Paul and on occasion we would meet there. Paul and I were a year apart so I’d always call him on his birthday and one week later he’d call me. We’d catch up on all the family news. He was so interested to hear about everyone. Family and friends were a huge part of his busy life. The Potters were blessed to have so many wonderful memories of the MacDonalds. Paul will be truly missed by all of us but he is at peace. God bless him.
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Michele Genge posted a condolence
Friday, April 18, 2025
As you heal from this loss, may the reminders of a life well-lived bring hope and peace to your hearts. Paul's spirit lives on in your memories and in every heart he ever touched.
With deepest sympathies,
Michele Genge and family
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Robert Laidlaw posted a condolence
Thursday, April 17, 2025
It was about 1974 and Paul was the new manager of the newly opened Dave’s Den. He very generously hired John, Ed, Tom and myself (hope I am not missing anyone) as wait staff……none of us had any experience. Let’s just say mistakes were made. The Den became the most popular bar in Ottawa with live bands every night. Let’s just say there were challenges. Paul was in the middle between the staff, the owners and the clients. He was always cheerful and fair despite his new role. It was a great experience and only because of Paul’s position did we all have a lot of fun. Thanks Paul, Robert
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Lawrence Nelson posted a condolence
Thursday, April 17, 2025
I feel very lucky to have had Paul as a colleague, a collaborator and a friend. He was fun to hang out with - passionate about life, fun and serious and always so kind to everyone he met. He was the kind of person that you just wanted to be around. We had some great discussions about nothing and everything and I will miss the chance to speak with him again. When I get frustrated with things going on in my life, I will always think of him and hear him saying to me: "this too shall pass". Rest in peace my friend.
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Ling Li posted a condolence
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Mr. MacDonald was my math teacher for grade 11 way back in 2007-2008. He was a lot of fun, kind-hearted, and was very encouraging. I will never forget those times and his encouragement will continue to inspire others going forward.
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Rayan Slim planted a tree in memory of Paul MacDonald
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
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Mr. MacDonald, your passion and care for students transcended the classroom. I will always cherish your memory. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Nishant Pradhan posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Mr. MacDonald was a wonderful math teacher. I still remember his insights into what makes someone good at math, and how he made me and his other students believe in themselves. He will be remembered fondly.
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Maddy McBain posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Like many others, Mr. Macdonald was my math teacher over a decade ago. He knew I was struggling at the time, and went out of his way to tutor me and support me. He encouraged me, motivated me to work harder, and ALWAYS made even the most frustrating situations humorous. I am so grateful for the belief he had in me. He made such an impact on not only my education, but my confidence in myself. My condolences to his family, friends, and other past students.
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Ionut pasca posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
He taughe me over 10 years ago and he was one of the funniest teachers. Ways trying to keep his class fun but on point.
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Erin R posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
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Devastated to hear of Mr MacDonald’s passing as he was one of my favourite teachers at Hillcrest and beloved by all. My sincerest condolences go to his family during this time.

A Memorial Tree was planted for Paul MacDonald
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Cole Funeral Services Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Graham Fish posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
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My sincerest condolences to Mr. MacDonald’s family. He taught me grade 11 math, most of which I don’t use anymore and yet the lessons he taught us all in that class stick with us to this day. It wasn’t about math it was about finding joy in the day to day. It seemed like Mr. MacDonald was exceptional at doing that.
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Augusta Eve posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Mr. MacDonald was my math teacher over a decade ago now. He was one of the most impactful teachers in my life and taught us many life lessons. My deepest condolences to Paul’s family and friends, he will be greatly missed.
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Melanie Mitchell posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Mr. Macdonald was my math teacher well over a decade ago. He cared deeply about his students - I would come to his class before school started to ask questions about our math homework from the night before. He was always available to support his students’ learning, and he did so with humour and passion. It was a true joy to be in his class and those memories are some of my favorite from high school. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
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Abdelrahman Darwazeh posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Mr MacDonald had an amazing personality and an even bigger heart, I still remember the last thing he told me before he left Hillcrest; I extended my hand to shake his one last time he shook my hand with both hands looked me straight in the eye and said “I know you’re going places” and I still remember that moment like it was yesterday. Rest in peace Mr.MacDonald, you will be missed ❤️
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Kajal A. posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Mr. MacDonald, I recall the days of Grade 10 & 11 Math class. One of my least favourite subjects but the best teacher. You were the most memorable of all. My condolences.
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Fatima Mazhar posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
I’m at a loss for words.
Mr. MacDonald was an great teacher who was incredibly patient and kind to his students. I was a struggling student in Grade 10 math and he had complete faith in me, going out of his way and helping me with every little question I had. He made me fall in love with the subject and I will forever be grateful for him helping my potential.
You will be missed, Mr. MacDonald. It’s been 12 years since I took your class and you will always be an inspiration to me, reminding me that I can achieve anything I desire. Rest in peace, sir.
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Rayan Slim posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
I'm at a loss for words, Mr. MacDonald.
You made me love Math, and I pursued an engineering degree as a result. I lamented in Grade 12 that you weren't teaching the Calculus and Vectors course – nobody could ever match your energy.
It has been 10 years since I visited you after graduation, and I still cherish the life advice you gave me. You left a lasting impact on many students, and I'm honoured to be one of them.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything,
Rayan
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Asha M posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Mr. MacDonald was an incredible teacher who truly inspired his students, including me, to strive for more and believe in ourselves. At Hillcrest, where many of us came from low-income or immigrant backgrounds, he treated everyone with kindness, fairness, and a constant smile. He saw our potential even when we didn’t. He was one of the best teachers at Hillcrest, and he will be deeply missed. My prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
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Dan posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
My sister and I were lucky enough to have Mr. MacDonald as our math teacher at Hillcrest. Math classes never had a dull moment, and he always taught with such enthusiasm and passion. He really cared about his students, and he made a lasting impression on me. He will be missed by many.
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Milan F posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Mr. MacDonald left a lasting impression on me as one of his students. He had a unique ability to make learning enjoyable, and his energy and positive spirit were truly unmatched. My heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.
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Elena DV North posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
To Gloria and my very dear Andrew, John, Annie and Keith: I join you in grieving the loss of the buzzing, expansive Paul.
An enduring memory is being with him and 4 others in a car that ran out of gas on the way home from a Lou Reed concert at Queens. So, I’m borrowing from Lou’s obituary to say, ‘he was a prince and a fighter’. And now a shooting star.
I feel very lucky to have known him.
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Matteo Colombi posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Mr MacDonald was my math teacher in highschool. Out of all my teachers I have the most found memories of him. My condolences go to the family
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Chad M posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Mr. MacDonald may not have remembered me, but he was my math teacher for several years at Hillcrest. Before his classes, I had a deep dislike for math — but he changed that entirely. His passion and teaching left a lasting impact on me, and I’ll always be grateful for the difference he made. My deepest condolences to his loved ones; the world has lost a truly remarkable man.
- Chad M
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William Jewell posted a condolence
Monday, April 14, 2025
I’ll always remember Paul dashing off to work in his car and later dashing off to a downtown bakery on his electric bike but always stopping for a moment to check in or just say hi. I will miss his impromptu visits or the more planned dinners with Gloria over a bottle of good red wine. I’ll miss his charm, his wit and especially his keen mind. We would spend hours discussing politics while standing on Tauvette dodging the dog walker’s cars until swarms of mosquitos would end the discussion that evening only to be picked up again sometime in the future.
He was a loving husband to Gloria, a good neighbour and my cherished friend. I’ll miss him dearly.
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The family of Paul MacDonald uploaded a photo
Monday, April 14, 2025
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Cole Funeral Services:
2500 Baseline Road,
Ottawa, Ontario K2C 3H9
Telephone: (613) 831-7122
info@colefuneralservices.com