Robert Charles (Bob) McDonald

Bob was born the 4th child of D.A. and Daisy McDonald on Oct 27, 1943 (a Wednesday’s child) and spent his formative years on the farm in Aberdeen. He ended his grand adventure at approximately 4:00AM on Friday February 28th, in his 82nd year.

Growing up in Aberdeen gave him a sense of community that never left him. Everywhere he travelled, he made an effort to build bonds with his neighbors. The farm life, however, was not for him. Dad left home and moved to North Battleford, where he met the love of his life, Darlene LaFreniere, just before Christmas of 1962. They were engaged by March and married a short 7 months later. The young couple moved to Viscount in 1964 and started their own family in July of the next year. 5 children and several homes later… they settled back in Aberdeen in 1976 where mom and dad both lived until their retirement.

Bob was an active community member, serving on the arena complex committee, joining the local Lions Club and “doing his best” as a Cub and Scout leader. Dad enjoyed time spent with his numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends and time at the cabins, both Meota and Candle lake. The only thing he couldn’t seem to enjoy was any period of silence, as his booming voice and laughter would fill any void with memories and stories. 

Dad worked at the University of Saskatchewan in the space planning and allocation group from 1973 until 1998, retiring with Mom at age 55. He and mom then spent their time travelling between Lady Smith, BC in the winters and the 'Lake' in the summertime.

 Never relinquishing his independence, Dad stayed steadfastly by Mom’s side, never missing a day as the needs of her memory loss and the accompanying ailments restricted her to long term care. Less than a year after her passing, he suffered a stroke preparing a meal in his own kitchen on Tuesday February 18. That stroke eventually caused him to be bedridden and dependant on oxygen and a feeding tube. Looking at what the future held for him, he bravely said he had no regrets and chose hospice care in the comfort of the medical staff at the Royal University Hospital, not wanting to fade away as mom had. When the end came, he was surrounded by his loving family and died in their company.

He was predeceased by his wife Darlene, daughter Teri, sister Myrtle, two infant brothers (Donald and Dawson) as well as his parents, D.A. and Daisy.

He is survived by his children Scott (Jill) McDonald, Jamie (Audrey) McDonald, Tracey (Marc) Grand'Maison and Tricia (Ed) Noble. Grandchildren Rob Tutka, Steven (Ava) McDonald, Ryan (Tiffany) Perry, Ashlen McDonald, Brayden (Randi) Perry and Kaden (Jaden) McDonald. Great Grandchildren: Mia Perry and Ari, Amiyah & Adley McDonald. As well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

There will be a come and go Memorial for Bob on Friday March 7th at the Saskatoon Shrine Club (1021 Saskatchewan Crescent W, Saskatoon, SK) from 3:00PM - 8:00PM, with a short program at 6:00PM