Obituary of Michael Francis McDonald

September 19, 1943 – Brighton, England

June 29, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heartbreaking sadness that our family announces the passing of Michael McDonald on Saturday, June 29, 2024. 

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Frances McDonald, daughters, Lisa and Nicole; son Sean, grandchildren, Trenton and Ayla; and sister Maureen. 

Michael was born in 1943 in Brighton, England, and came to Canada with his mom on the Queen Mary at the age of two. Mike and Frances met in 1964 and married in 1968. The following year, Mike attended SAIT to study Engineering after learning they were expecting Lisa. Mike had a long and fulfilling career as a Corrosion Engineer until his retirement in 2010. His proudest professional accomplishment was serving as the lead Engineering Consultant who successfully litigated a court battle against a large oil and gas company in the US.

Mike was a member of the National Association of Corrosion Engineers, APEGA, and the Calgary Highlanders, and did charity work for the Salvation Army. 

Mike enjoyed keeping busy by golfing, traveling, playing guitar, and listening to music. He wrote and published two golf books and took pleasure in designing and making guitars from scratch. Known to his close friends and family as an adrenaline junkie, some of his highlights include bungee jumping, skydiving, aerodynamics, and being set on fire by a professional stuntman.

Mike was diagnosed with ALS in December 2023, and he battled the disease with humility and grace. He fought with everything he had and refused to give in to his disease. Mike’s family participated in the Betty’s Run for ALS on June 9th and looks forward to continuing this tradition in his honor, as well as for other Albertans diagnosed with this devastating disease.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the A.L.S. Society of Alberta (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), 7874 – 10th Street N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8W1, www.alsab.ca.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Catholic Community Day Chapel (800 85 St SW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Mike’s family here.

In living memory of Michael Francis McDonald, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.