September 15, 1934 - March 11, 2020
Michael (Mike) McDonald passed away peacefully on March 11th, 2020 at the age of 85, surrounded by his family. Mike was born on September 15th, 1934 to Harry and Bessie McDonald and was the second youngest of five children. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he was a lifelong resident of Abbotsford, British Columbia.
Mike enjoyed the outdoors. He spent the majority of his childhood hunting, fishing and exploring nature with his brothers Don and Ian. He excelled at sports, playing baseball and soccer.
After a brief stint at UBC, Mike began a career with BC Gas in the 1960's. In the early 1970's, he and his brother Ian bought A+H Well Drilling. In 1985, he started McDonald & Ross Construction with his close friends Wayne and June Ross. After Wayne's passing, the partnership continued until Mike's retirement in late 2019.
Mike was a jack of all trades and good at most of them. A man who described himself as a ditch digger, he was a man of many talents-- an avid gardener, historian, curler, welder, pickler, basket weaver, handyman and bee charmer. Famous for his long distance drives, he had a GPS-like knowledge of most BC backroads. He was a man known for his ingenious thoughts and problem-solving. As good on the end of a shovel as he was with running a successful business, he had tireless energy to be doing something at all times. And there was always time for conversation when it was beer time. Mike took pride in his work and his home, but most of all in his family and friends.
Mike met the love of his life, Margaret Ann (Ann) Ogden at Philip Sheffield High School in 1953. As Mike described it, it was love at first sight. He spent the next seven years chasing Ann around the Cariboo until she agreed to marry him in 1960.
During their nearly 60 years of marriage, they had two children, Michelle and Bruce of whom he was very proud. He was especially proud of his grandson Kurtis. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Ann, his two children Michelle (Kevin) Wheeler and Bruce (Darryl Fisher) McDonald, grandson Kurtis Wheeler, sister Joyce Brown and brother Ian (Carmel) McDonald.
Mike requested no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.'