Edward « Ed » Joseph McDONNELL
December 25, 2018
Edward (Ed) McDonnell of Calgary, AB, passed away after a lengthy illness on the morning of December 25, 2018 at the Rockyview General Hospital at the age of 81 years.
Ed was born on January 10, 1937 in Matachewan, ON, to parents Walter and Hannah McDonnell. He was raised in Ottawa where he attended St. Patrick’s College High School.
A long-time resident of Calgary, and a very independent small businessman, Ed founded Brassco Metal Restoring Limited. He ran it for decades before selling it to Brad, a trusted friend, when he retired. He and his wife, Sandra Woods McDonnell, were able to travel the world together in 2011 before she passed away.
Death: December 25, 2018
Sandy, a dear friend of Ed in his later years, has described him as a « Tough little Irishman. » He certainly was that.
Ed battled severe asthma all his life, which was eased somewhat by Calgary’s higher altitude and drier climate. Ed lost a lung to cancer seven years ago but carried on undaunted.
A complainer Ed was not.
A staunch fan of the Calgary Stampeders, the Green Bay Packers, and the Notre Dame « Fighting Irish » football teams, Ed lived just long enough to exult in the Stampeders’ recent Grey Cup win over his native Ottawa and to see Notre Dame enjoy a rare undefeated season.
Ed is survived by his daughters, Kelly (Doug) Wright of Calgary, AB and Shannon McDonnell of Oakland, CA; brothers, Hugh (Gayle) and David (the late Beatrice) Mullington of Ottawa; and sister, Nancy (Danny) Dufault of Kemptville, ON; as well as nephews, Kevin (Janet King) and Christopher (Kathryn Radford) Mullington of Ottawa; and niece, Janet (Hans Meier-Ewert) Mullington of Newton, MA, who will miss him greatly.
A special « Thank you » to the doctors and nurses at the RVGH who cared for
Ed during his final days and also to his very dedicated friends who spent countless hours by his bedside.
In lieu of flowers a donation to a charity that needs your help would be greatly appreciated.
An Irish/Japanese Wake to celebrate Ed’s life will be at Kinjo Sushi and Grill (11135 14th Street NE, Calgary) on Thursday, January 3rd, 2019, from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Edward Ed Joseph McDONNELL 2018..
Source:Heritage Funeral Services Ltd
Décès pour la Ville: Calgary, Province: Alberta
