Obituary for
Andrew Laurier McDonald
Andrew (Andy) McDonald passed away peacefully Sunday morning, November 25, 2018 at the Ottawa General Hospital in the presence of the love of his life Marie-Louise (Tournois) born in Paris, France. As well as his three children who all live in Ottawa Philippe Miller (Silvana), Daniel Miller (Sharon) and his baby girl Monique (McDonald) Olsacher (Lou) and grand-daughters Chelsea Miller and Olivia Olsacher.
Everyone, loved him for his generosity, his direct dry sense of humour, his strength, and his ability to tackle any project in his house or those of his kids. Most of all he was best known for loving and supporting his wife and his 3 kids families and providing them each with skills and determination to navigate this world!
Andy was the oldest son of 13 children. He was born in Saint John New Brunswick to Vivian T. (Craft) (McDonald) Garfield and George W. McDonald. He is pre-deceased by his parents and his brother little Billy McDonald. He is survived by his beloved sister Anne Lingley(Karl), Tom (Marilyn)John, Linda, Donna, Sharon (Liam), Gary, Terry, Vivian, Daryl (Diana), Timmy (Rick), special cousin and close friend Larry Ferris and over 20 nephews and nieces throughout Canada and England.
Andy was a veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy where he served aboard for three years and saw a lot of the world. Throughout the years, Andy accumulated many friends and skills through work and his hobbies. He owned his own Irving Oil garage in Grand Bay, N.B. for 10 years. He spent 27 years as a high-pressure welder and industrial mechanic at Irving Oil Refinery. His true passion was his hobby farm with a wide array of farm animals including bee farming. He was dedicated and committed to anything he set his mind too.
He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter. He raised his family on an 18 acre hobby farm and everyone in the family participated in all the activities. He used his favourite workhorse Bill and acres of gardens to help nurture and teach his children to be self-sufficient.
He enjoyed country music attending many dances with his friends Sandra and Victor Holmes and Alice and Harold Sargent dancing the night away with his beautiful wife of more than 53 years, Marie-Louise.
In his retirement for the last 15 years in Ottawa; his favourite pastimes were swimming, live plays at the local theatre, carpet bowling and other social events with his friends in Ottawa. After his favourite past time and daily routine swim with his wife Marie-Louise; they would spend quite time together in a coffee shop sharing a pastry (French), of course. They end their days with dinner, watching Coronation Street and talking to one or all of their kids daily by phone, facetime or in person and cuddling with the family cat Lily. He also enjoyed yearly trips to Fort Lauderdale with his family.
As a dedicated and giving father, he was always at one of the houses of his children helping build or repairing something. He was never afraid to tackle any job likely because he knew it always resulted in more family time around a well prepared meal, dessert and many laughs. He loved watching football, curling or a good tennis match.
Andrew, Andy, Dad and papa; today is the hardest day for everyone because we will miss wrapping our arms around you and hearing your voice. However, rest assured you will live on in all of us and all the projects you completed as symbols of your love and memories we shared. As a loving, cherished husband and best friend, amazing father, grandfather, brother and friend; you will be missed so much!
Dad, you will never be forgotten and will forever be held in our hearts!
We love and miss you! Always!
Friends are invited to visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street (at O’Connor Street), Ottawa, on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 from 2 pm to 5 pm and from 7 pm to 9 pm. A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, 95 Somerset Street West, Ottawa, on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 11 am. As an expression of sympathy, a donation can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Andrew Laurier
McDonald 1943 2018..
Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario