Obituary of Malcolm Hugh Macdonald

Dr. Malcolm Hugh Macdonald, MD, FRCSC, CRCSC, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the Rockyview General Hospital on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at the age of 76 years. Malcolm was born on May 5, 1927 in Saskatoon and attended City Park Collegiate Institute. He was a graduate of St. Michael’s College, University of Toronto, and of McGill University, where he earned his medical degree in 1951. Malcolm interned in Toronto and was a surgical resident in New York City, after which he established a practice in Saskatoon in 1959. In 1963 he settled with his family in Calgary where he maintained a practice in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery for thirty years. In his years of practice, Malcolm was known for his thoughtful and meticulous care of patients at the Holy Cross, Calgary General and Rockyview General Hospitals. In 2000, he was named a Member Emeritus of the Alberta Medical Association. Malcolm maintained an interest in the structure and politics of health care delivery. Early in his career, he was involved in the debate over the introduction of Medicare into Saskatchewan. While an active practitioner, Malcolm served as a member of the Calgary Board of Health, on the Board of Directors of the Alberta Medical Association, and as Chair of the Insurance Committee of the Alberta Medical Association. More recently, he made a submission to the Romanow Commission on health care. Malcolm was a passionate reader throughout his life and inspired in his children a curiosity about the world and a love of learning. He also shared with them his sense of humour and introduced them to the classic comedians of the twentieth century. Malcolm was particularly fond of history, jazz, music, golf, gardening, food, wine, and good conversation. In his retirement, he was able to pursue these pastimes more actively and gained great pleasure from them. Malcolm is survived by his wife of forty-six years, Nancy (nee Hachenberg) of Calgary; and his children, Nona of Toronto, Doris and husband Michael Van Buer of DeKalb, IL, Alan of Ottawa, Ronald, wife Loralee Delbrouck and their son Lincoln of Vancouver, and Carol of Vancouver. Lincoln’s arrival in the last year of his life gave Malcolm a special joy. He is also survived by his sister and her husband, Nona and William Heaslip of Toronto. Malcolm was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Ronald H. Macdonald and Nona H. Macdonald (nee Hutcheson) of Saskatoon and by his brother Alan M. Macdonald of Calgary. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) today, January 20, 2004 from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church (5340 – 4th Street S.W.) on Wednesday, January 21, 2004 at 10:00 A.M. A reception will follow immediately in the parish hall. If friends so desire memorial tributes may be made directly to the Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 1430 Peel Street, Montreal, QC H3A 3T3 or directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family would like to thank Malcolm’s personal physician Dr. Adamiak and the staff of the Rockyview General Hospital Unit 59 and ICU for their special efforts on his behalf. In living memory of Dr. Malcolm Macdonald, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 243-8200.