Obituary of Donald Macrae

MacRae, Donald John –(August 31, 1927 – July 12, 2008) Early on a brilliant July 12th sunrise Don passed away peacefully with his family by his side, after a short battle with cancer. Don is predeceased by his father, Chester MacRae; mother, Florence MacDonald; and brother, Gordon. He is survived by his wife, Edna (nee Beisel); daughters: Shiela Gosnell (Craig), Theresa Pompu (Nelson), and Valerie Kapay (Clarence); Grandchildren: Tyler (Trista) Gosnell, Megan Gosnell, Tammy Pompu, Kendra Pompu, Shania Kapay, Sierra Kapay and great grandchild, Dreyden Gosnell. Don was born in Limerick Saskatchewan and raised in Eastend. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan before becoming a partner in a Massey Ferguson dealership. In 1973 he became an agrologist with the Government of Saskatchewan where he stayed until he retired in 1993. He had many interests, which occupied his time. Carpentry, fishing trips, golfing and camping with family were among his pastimes, but it was his penchant for golf that got him into trouble in 1989. While playing the links in Kyle he was struck by lightning, but that didn’t deter him, he was back on the course in Kyle the following year. While recovering in hospital Don was heard to say “it was like getting hit by a Mac truck.” Even an act of God couldn’t keep him down. Over the years, Don generously volunteered his time to several causes, including the Eastend Kinsmen Club and the Rotary Club in Swift Current where he eventually served as chartered president and president, respectively. Don was a committed member of the Rotary since 1979. One of Don’s proudest moments was when he became the world’s newest Paul Harris Fellow. This award presented by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International recognizes significant assistance for the understanding and friendly relations among people’s of the world. We’ll all dearly miss Don’s quiet intelligent conversation and his welcoming smile. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at Parkside Memorial Funeral Chapel with Christine Ciona officiating. The organist will be Arlene Olson. The honorary pallbearers are all of his family and friends and an honor guard will be by the Rotary Club of Swift Current. The interment will be held at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Memorial donations may be made to the Dr. Noble Irwin Healthcare Foundation. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home, Swift Current, Saskatchewan. For further information or to sign the family book of condolence please visit our website at parksidefuneralhome.com.