Wilfred Joseph MCDONALD

McDonald, Wilfred Joseph passed away peacefully in his sleep early on October 19th following a wonderful and funny evening spent with his family that saw lots of kidding, smiling and hugs being dished out. Dad was born in St. Paul's Hospital on August 15th, 1924 and raised in the Westmount area before building a home in the Mayfair district with his wife Shirley. Dad attended St. Mary's School and after serving his country in WW II as part of the Canadian Occupation Army returned home and went to work for Bowman Brothers before embarking on a 35 year career with the Saskatoon Fire Department. Dad was the recipient of the Laudable Conduct Award presented by the City for his heroic actions during a house fire in which he entered a basement and saved the life of a young girl. At the time of his retirement Dad's rank was Assistant Deputy Chief. Always a deep thinker he was often counted on to make the proper decisions, was able to fix anything, and enjoyed the simple things in life as long as they revolved around family. Events such as a family supper, Bran Flakes and Marmalade toast in the morning, watching the Roughies on TV, a slice of pie, going for breakfast with John to the Co-op or a road trip to visit relatives were always important. Dad was predeceased by his wife, Shirley; parents, Martin and Ellie McDonald; sister, Helen; and brothers, Lionel, Ron, and Ken; as well as brothers-in-law, George Janzen, Bill Marshall, Abe Fedrau; and sister-in-law, Liz Dewar. Left to mourn are his daughters, Karen (Dave) Semeniuk, Maureen (John) LeClaire and son Murray. Plus Dad's sisters, Rita Janzen, Margaret Marshall, and brothers, Mervin and Percy; sister-in-law, Johanna McDonald; numerous nieces and nephews; and our close family friend, Darlene Sellers. Dad was especially proud of his grandchildren, Ryan Semeniuk (Jodelle), Jolene Smith (Michael), Jesse LeClaire, Cameron LeClaire and great grandson, Connor Smith. As a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1517 Dad was willing to lend a hand, and his Roman Catholic faith was a huge part of his life. Although the last 12 years without Mom were especially tough, his beliefs, the K of C, and friends from the church were important to him and it was fitting that the view from his hospital bed was of St. Mary's Church. On behalf of our father, the family would like to thank the staff from St. Paul's hospital 7th floor and the Palliative Care Unit. Also thanks to the members of St. Mary's Church for bringing communion to his house every Sunday, and the Department of Veteran Affairs for their support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Northern Saskatchewan Chapter, Muscular Dystrophy Canada, 3-3012 Louise St. Saskatoon, SK S7J 3l8. Vigil of Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 22 and the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 23, 2009 from St. Mary's Roman Catholic Parish. Condolences may be emailed to mail@westwoodfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements are entrusted WESTWOOD FUNERAL CHAPEL, 653-3434. Published in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix from 10/20/2009- 10/21/2009