Allan MacDonald
JOSEPH “ALLAN” MACDONALD
May 7, 1933 – June 7, 2024
Joseph Allan MacDonald passed away on June 7, 2024 after a lengthy illness. Allan is survived by his daughter Maureen; sons, Kevin and Sean (Alicia); six grandchildren, Shaun (Jennifer), James (Chelsea), Ian, Jack (Eleonore), Caleigh (Carlos), David; and three great grandchildren, Taydem, Clayton and Anna. Allan is also survived by his sister Bernadette (Ed); and brothers, Jack (Marg) and Ian (Olga). He was predeceased by his wife of almost 64 years, Moira; daughter Shelagh; daughter-in-law Laurie; parents, Allan and Mary MacDonald; and siblings, Lorne and Claire.
Allan was a gentleman and a gentle man. Kind, thoughtful, intelligent, but always ready for an adventure, a playful joke or a social gathering. Lawyer by day, family man by night, Allan accomplished much in his career and throughout his life but did so in an understated manner, often leaving the limelight for others. He always had time for a kind word and excellent advice to all he came across. Those around him knew they were appreciated and loved.
Born in 1933 and raised in PEI, the Island always held a special place in Allan’s heart. He was educated at St. Dunstan’s University (a highlight was winning the national debating championship in 1954), and latterly at Osgoode Hall Law School.
Allan’s early career was at Imperial Oil. As luck would have it, the job took him through Winnipeg and on a blind date, he met Moira. They were married for one month shy of 64 years. Together they raised four children in Winnipeg, Edmonton, Toronto and back to Winnipeg. While in Toronto, Allan went back to school to become a lawyer. With four young children it was a busy household but Allan, with Moira’s help, achieved his goal. What followed was a successful legal career in Winnipeg, much of it spent in private practice. As a lawyer he was highly attuned to the needs of his clients, offered sage counsel and took the time to get to know each of them. He also gave back to his community by volunteering on a number of boards and charities.
Family time was always important to Allan. Whether he was driving the boat for endless hours of water skiing at the family cottage, attending children/ grandchildren hockey or baseball games, boasting of his Master Angler status to anyone who would listen or simply connecting with family and friends wherever their paths would cross, Allan did it all with his natural good humour and generosity of spirit.
Allan will be dearly missed but his long and fulfilling life has touched so many and serves as a source of infinite memories. Thank you to the health care workers and the staff at Portsmouth who went above and beyond to support Allan in recent years and to the friends and family near and far who provided a constant connection throughout his remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Allan’s memory to a charity of your choice. A private celebration of life will occur at a later date.
Allan’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Cremation & Life Celebrations
530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg
204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com
Memories, Stories and Condolences
Please share a story, photo, memory or condolence for the family by completing the form below and clicking "Post Comment"
Thank you for your comment!
12 Comments
↑ Both fields are required ↓
Eric and pam
June 25, 2024 at 8:14 PM
I don't have a picture to share but wanted to share one of my highlights of many past Christmas eves. Mr and Mrs MacDonald would host an annual Christmas Eve party complete with miniature meatballs and other nummy offerings. It was a combination of young and old. It was a tradition which we were always happy to be included in before dashing off to the Christmas Eve mass.They both were very gracious hosts
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Debbie Musser
June 24, 2024 at 8:15 PM
I posted the wrong photo so I am adding the correct one here.
Debbie Musser
June 24, 2024 at 8:07 PM
Dear Maureen, Sean, & Kevin,
I feel so blessed to have had your father be a part of my life! I always did his hair and makeup in the Greenfield Village Drama Club. The best time was making him look younger, putting temporary color on and blow drying his hair! He was the most kind, loving, gracious, and always appreciative to all who knew him! I had many wonderful times together with him and your mom getting together cooking different meals with lots of friends, visiting each other's homes and being together was always so special and filled with laughter! Your beautiful tribute here is the epitamy of the kind sweet man he was! I will always be grateful I had the pleasure of knowing both of your parents, a true honor and blessing in my life. I am attaching a favorite photo of your mom, dad, me, with friends Bob & Marcia Scott. Great times, great memories with great friends! I will never forget him!
Craig Fossay
June 20, 2024 at 9:52 AM
My sympathy to the MacDonald family. Always a pleasure to spend time with him. He will be sorely missed. Craig
Barbara Schott
June 18, 2024 at 11:07 AM
Dear Kevin,
To you and your family, our deepest sympathies. Your father was such an amazing lawyer and human being. He helped our family so much with his sage and generous advice and selfless service over the years. (You followed in his footsteps and we feel the same way about you.)
Kind Regards,
Barbara & Roland Schott
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Carole Boivin
June 17, 2024 at 3:47 PM
What a beautiful tribute. It captures Uncle Allan perfectly. A gentleman and a gentle man who welcomed playful jokes and family gatherings. And the video was beautiful - i watched it several times. He was certainly loved by many and will be dearly missed but I hope you all find comfort knowing that he is now reunited with Aunt Moira and lovingly welcomed by Shelagh, Laurie and his siblings. A big hug to all of you. Carole xo
Denyse and Luc
June 15, 2024 at 9:04 PM
Beautiful tribute to such a kind and loving person. He will be dearly missed. Our sincere condolences to all the family.
July 2018 -a memorable moment with Uncle Allan and Aunt Moira in Montreal. 💕
barb dalziel
June 15, 2024 at 1:51 PM
Bringing back fond memories of our great neighbours on Douglas, St. our deepest sympathy tp Ian and Bernie and to Alan's family from the Ford family Doris and Barbara"
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Bernie & Ed
June 15, 2024 at 12:26 PM
He was a great brother❤️.
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Tracey Hardiman
June 15, 2024 at 10:15 AM
Obituary is beautifully written and captures Uncle Allan perfectly. Definitely a kind and gentle man whose family meant alot. The photo is from the last time Uncle Allan, Aunt Moira and Marueen were in PEI for a mini reunion, thinking summer 2018. Always good laughs and conversation. Thinking of you all at this difficult time! I'm sure Uncle Allan and Aunt Moira are enjoying some good conversations and laughter in the next life!
Marie Morris
June 15, 2024 at 7:55 AM
Allan leaves a special place in my heart. He was always so interested and kind to our family. I always thought of him as very kind and loving gentleman. He will be missed by all who knew him. My prayer and thoughts for all the family at this difficult time. Love to all the family. Marie
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Paula, Larry & Family
June 14, 2024 at 9:37 PM
A beautiful tribute to a beautiful man ... a gentle man, indeed. Thinking of all whose lives he touched. He will be remembered well.
Rest in Peace Uncle Allan ... and may your reunions be joyous ❤️.
... One of my favourite pics xxx
