Suddenly and surrounded by his loving family, Ellis McDonald, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend came to the end of his nine lives on Friday, March 22, 2019 at the age of 88.
Son of the late Dan and Lillian McDonald, son-in-law of the late William and Jessie Tuckett. Survived by his loving wife and best friend, Marjorie. Dearest father and mentor of the late Sharon Mair, Eric, Robin (Cathie) and Kenneth. Beloved grandfather of Sasha Mair (Eric), Ryan Gagne, Cheryn and Austin McDonald. Brother of the late Clayton (Betty), Jim (late Pat), Malcolm (Jenny) and the late Jeanette Halcrow (late Bill). Brother-in-law of Betty Ruth Tuckett, late Frank Tuckett (Elva), Blair Tuckett (late Barbara) and Janet MacDonald. He will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Ellis embraced all things in life and dedicated most of his time to family, friends and the many organizations to which he volunteered. He was a long-time member of his Sault Search and Rescue family (since 1963) helping to search for those lost, on both ground searches and flying his beloved plane. He also taught the "Edible Wild" to many. His flying/fishing buddies in the "Hornepayne Glee Club" will miss him ("Roy") terribly, and so will his many friends he made through his years volunteering for the Bon Soo Winter Carnival.
Ellis will also be missed by his many friends in the music, step-dancing and squaredance world. Not only was he an accomplished musician by playing the guitar, fiddle and harmonica where he was accompanied by Marj on the accordion or piano, he was the "caller" for the Town and Country Square Dancers. As inductees in the "Canadian Fiddlers and Stepdancers" Hall of Fame, they have always been avid fans of fiddling/stepdancing and have spent over 40 years being #1 fans of the Pembroke and Shelburne Fiddle Contests, and organized the Bon Soo Fiddle Contests/Jamboree for 35 years.
Friends may visit at the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel on Friday, March 29, 2019 from 2 pm until 4 pm and 6 pm until 9 pm. Funeral Service at Central United Church on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 11:30 am, reception to follow downstairs. Rev. Laurie Milito officiating. Memorial contributions (payable by cheque) to the Sault Search and Rescue, Central United Church or Bob Rumball Foundation for the Deaf would be greatly appreciated. Spring interment Port Findlay cemetery.