Obituary of Richard "Dick" McDonald

McDONALD: We sadly announce the passing of Dick McDonald after a brief battle with cancer. Dick was a loving husband to Verda, his wife of 58 years, a dear father to Rick, Paul (Claudia), and Daren (Edith) and grandsons Dustin and Ethan. Dick was born in Melville, Saskatchewan, the youngest of five sons born to Les and Millie McDonald. He is survived by brothers Bud (Grace) of Ottawa and Dave (Jan) of Dauphin. Dick was a natural athlete who won Saskatchewan provincial titles in tennis doubles and boxing. In 1952 Dick came to Brandon College to play football and hockey. In 1956, he married his college sweetheart, Verda Peden, and later received his BA and B. Ed. Degrees from Brandon University. Dick joined the 26th Field Regiment Artillery Reserve in 1958 and continued through to become the Commanding Officer and Honorary Colonel. After 13 years of teaching, he joined James Richardson's Securities as a stock broker and became manager of Richardson Greenshields before moving to Nesbitt Burns until his retirement in 1999. Dick had a keen interest in sports and became a loyal supporter of the Brandon University Bobcats. He established scholarships in perpetuity in Men's and Women's Basketball and Volleyball. He served on many fundraising committees for Brandon University and was an active member of the Healthy Living Centre Seat Sale Committee. He was a member of the Kinsmen, K40, Brandon Legion Branch #3, Wheat City Golf Club and President of the Legion's Green Acres Lodge Committee. He donated generously to the Brandon General Hospital Foundation, the Brandon YMCA, Brandon University, the 26th Field Regiment Artillery Museum and many other causes. Dick enjoyed good health in life and was able to golf regularly and travel extensively. He was a generous, fair and much loved man. A celebration of Dick's life will be held at Central United Church, 327-8th Street, on Thursday, September 25, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. with The Rt. Rev. Jim Njegovan officiating. A private interment will take place at the Brandon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dick may be made to Brandon University Healthy Living Centre, c/o Dept. of Institutional Advancement, 270-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6A9, the 26th Field Artillery Association Inc. (The Senate), c/o E.L. McArthur, 712-16th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4Y7, Brandon Humane Society, 2200-17th Street East, Brandon, MB, R7A 7M6 or charity of choice.