William Henry McDonald 1924 - 2011With sadness we announce the passing of Bill, peacefully and with love surrounding him on Saturday, May 14, 2011. Bill leaves behind his loving wife of 60 years Dorothy Gwen, his daughter Barbara (Mike Irwin), his grandchildren Michael Irwin (Sheryl), Stephanie (Cale Reeder), Amanda Campbell. Bill also leaves behind his sisters, Beatrice Brooks, Alice Carrigan, Maude (Roger Poirier), Dorothy (Al Markusson), Florence (Bob Larson), sister-in-law Wanda McDonald, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great nephews. Pre-deceased by brothers Norman, Gordon, Murray and Edward.
Bill served with the RCNVR, 1943-1945. He then began a career as a venture capitalist that spanned more than 50 years. During this time he was instrumental in creating a national mortgage company, and was influential in a Canadian Bank receiving its parliamentary charter.
Of equal importance to Bill was his passion for the development and promotion of Canadian numismatics. He was not only a very well-respected and knowledgeable collector; he was also one of the initial founders of two of Canada's numismatic societies. His involvement in Canadian numismatics led him to be a key player in the founding of the J. Douglas Ferguson Historical Research Foundation, an educational charitable organization. Bill also ran Marlcourt Books, a company specializing in numismatics, banking and financial history.
Bill was an honourable gentleman whose gentle spirit and wonderful smile were shared with all who knew him.
The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to all of the devoted caring staff of Sunnybrook Veterans Centre K2W.
A private service will take place on May 16, with The Rev. Canon Brad Lennon officiating. A Celebration of Bill's life will be held on June 25, 2011 from 1:00-5:00pm at York Visitation Centre, 160 Beecroft Road, Toronto, ON. M2N 5Z5 Tel 416-221-3404 Toll Free 1-888-277-2643.
If friends wish, donations to the following charity would be deeply appreciated by the family: 'Veterans Comfort Fund' (please specify), Sunnybrook Foundation, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Room H332 Toronto, ON, M4N 3M5 or at
www.sunnybrook.ca/foundation .
Bill's family would appreciate anecdotes, stories, and pictures of your memories of Bill. We would like to share these with others at the celebration of his life , and they will also provide a source of remembrance for his family now and in the future. Please forward to billmcdo@sympatico.ca.
