Obituary of Archie MacDonald

MacDONALD: Archibald James, known to all as “Archie”, a resident of Chatham, passed away surrounded by the love of his children, on Friday, June 13, 2008, at Meadowpark Nursing Home . Born at the home of his grandparents in Ridgetown 89 years ago to his late parents David Allen Lee MacDonald (1946) & Catherine (McArthur) MacDonald (1931) Predeceased by his loving wife of 47 years, the late Eileen (Riseboroug) MacDonald (1999). Although afflicted by Alzheimers for the past number of years, Archie was very much able to convey his love and support to his children David MacDonald of Chatham, and Kevin MacDonald & his wife Cheryl of Wardsville, through big smiles and an ever eager appetite as always! Grandpa will be sadly missed by Ian MacDonald, Darrin Evans, Michael MacDonald, and Stephen MacDonald, and is now joined in heaven with his grandchildren the late Richard (1998) and Laura (1985). Also survived by great grandchildren Isaac MacDonald, Ethan Evans, Isabella MacDonald, and Emma MacDonald. Archie, the oldest of five children, is survived by his sister Margaret Clarke, brother Allan & his wife Betty MacDonald, and brother Ross MacDonald. Predeceased by sister Jean Watson, sister in-law Donna MacDonald, and brother in-law James Clarke. Archie was a born farmer and most of his early years were spent working in agriculture as a labourer, especially during harvest season. He enlisted in 1940 and served in the Second World War. He was in England, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Germany, and returned home the day after his father died on January 23, 1946. After the war, Archie continued his dedication to hard work, travelling to Western Canada as a farm hand during harvest season. He also worked as security on the railroad while he was out West, and in meat packing plants in Winnipeg. He returned home to work as a dispatcher for a transport company, a shipper at National Grocers, and even had his own Taxi company. In 1956 he became an Insurance Representative and the rest is history. He was Top Seller Million Dollar Round Table for three years. Archie started his own Broker business in 1989. He always worked for his clients and was trusted by all. He was involved in church life through A.O.T.S. Men’s Club, and personal issues for himself and individuals through Alcoholics Anonymous. In September he would have celebrated 46 years of sobriety through A.A. A Special thank you to Dr. Tom Perkin who always made himself available to help us learn to deal with dad’s illness. He helped us maximize his quality of life and maintain his personal dignity. And finally to each and every person at Meadowpark Nursing Home for the exceptional quality of care you provided for our father for the past 5 years, you all know who you are! Thanks to you all! The MacDonald family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair St. Chatham, on Sunday, June 15, 2008 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. and on Monday from 2:00-4:30 & 7:00-9:00 p.m. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 28 will conduct a Memorial Service for their comrade at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Funeral service to be held at the Funeral Home, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17. Memorial donations made in Archie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Society or the Gideon Memorial Bible Program are welcomed and appreciated. "One Day at a Time" McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair Street Chatham, Ontario 519-351-2040