For My Dad - shared by Sherri McDonald (daughter)
I'd like to share with you today some thoughts about my Dad, to highlight some of the qualities that made him so special and to remember a life well lived and a man well loved.
Clear to all who knew him, my Dad had faith. Throughout his life, he showed unwavering devotion to his wife, to his family and to his Saviour.
My Dad was a decon of the St. Goerge Baptist Church, where he and Mom found fellowship in a loving community of gentle souls.
When I think of my father and faith, I see him sitting in his favourite chair, in the warmth of a sunbeam, quietly reading from the Bible. From time to time, he closes his eyes to reflect on the teachings and to consider their meaning in his life.
My Dad also had a deep appreciation for beauty of soul and beauty in the natural world. His wedding vows thaned my grandparents for raising the radiant woman who would be his wife for 55 years. The walls of our family home are adorned with pictures of the bright and hopeful faces of the grandchildren that he cherished for each of his days.
From a vantage point high above a sweeping view or simply sitting under a shady tree, my Dad was peaceful in nature. He always encouraged us to pause and appreciate the view. Some of his favourite scenery included: the sunsets over Lake Huron; waves crashing over the red sand of Cavendish Beach, PEI; the flora of Victoria, BC; the exotic lushness of Hawaii and Maui; and the humble rocks, tress and lakes of his beloved Canada.
My Dad was a curious man, a reader of books, a life-long learner and a keen observer of people and nature.
Quietly, from a respectful distance, my Dad would lose track of time watching fishermen unloading their catch, artisans creating their crafts, a farmer sowing his crops and anyone building or demolishing structures.
Dad was always grateful when a kind soul would becon him over for a closer look at their labour. Dad would ask many questions about their life and work, their motivation and their sources of inspiration. Dad placed great weight on what he learned in these spontaneous moments of connection and deeply appreciated those who took time to share their life and work with him.
Those who encountered my Dad quickly learned that he had a unique sense of humour. His goal was always laughter, to enjoy a moment and to brighten a day. He was fond of wry observations and social commentary, of funny nicknames and monikers.
His humour could be self-deprecating one minute, and inspired by the comedies of the BBC the next. Dad loved trading quips and witty comebacks, always raising one up and never putting one down.
In sharing memories in recent days, my Dad's humour was a strong and enduring theme for many. He would have loved that, being forever associated with joy, laughter and happiness.
It is said that a person who is well-loved, shows love to others. My Dad was a humble, devoted, warm and loving man who always put the needs of his family before his own. He embodied the values that he held dear. He set a good example of how to show kindness, gratitude and affection to others.
Dad loved his family completely and was always proud of the children he and Mom raised together. His most cherished memories were of family and friends gathered for holidays and celebrations, surrounded by laughter and the smells of his favourite home cooking. Later we'd find him contentedly napping in his chair, a peaceful look on his face.
My Mom and Dad are a matched pair of swans; loyal, devoted and mated for life. Our Mom cannot attend this day as she is being cared for in hospital both for the shock of Dad's unexpected loss and the ravages of a degenerative disease. We ask that in the upcoming days, please share with her your fond memories of Dad - she loves hearing how cherished he was. This will help to bring her joy.
For a man so loved and beloved, it is perhaps fitting that my Dad's heart stopped beating on Valentine's Day. Bruce McDonald's body will be laid to rest today and his soul is already with the Lord. His spirit is here today as we gather in love and shared grief to mark the passing of the dearest of men, my Dad.
Love transcends all,
Sherri McDonald
