It is with great sadness that the family of John Peter (Jack) McDonald announce his passing on February 28, 2023 at the age of 87 surrounded by his family at the Ravines in Ottawa. Jack was born on June 16, 1935 in Saint John NB, the son of the late John Daniel and Kathleen Margaret (Donovan). He will be deeply missed by his wife of 67 years Audrey (Astorino). He is survived by siblings George (Judy), Joseph (Sharon), Rose (Charlie Caterini) and Pauline (Gerald Astorino). He was predeceased by his brother Murray. Jack is also survived by his loving children Debbie McDonald (Les), Bev McDonald (Randy), Brenda Preeper (Dave), John (Tracy), Judy Ramm (Mike) and Heather Sheahan (Terry). He was predeceased by his oldest daughter Cindy Weir (Dan). Jack’s long list of grandchildren include Sarah , Kelly, Samantha, Kevin, Natalie, Taylar, Brett, Tara, Cody, Alex, Andie, Michael, Christopher, Katie, Bria and Colleen and great grandchildren Jack, Connor, Luke and Gabriel…he loved them all dearly. Jack leaves behind many other nieces and nephews, all of whom loved their Uncle Jack.

Jack grew up in Saint John and Smithfield NB before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1952. He proudly served on many military bases across Canada and was also stationed in Europe for 4 years. He was a dedicated and hardworking Airman and was commissioned from the regular ranks to an Officer in 1969 and retired as a Major in Ottawa in 1987.

Jack loved and continued to both hunt and work his woodlot on the Mountain Road near Harvey Station New Brunswick long after he moved away with the Air Force. He always called New Brunswick home. The family spent all of their summer vacations since the 1970’s at the family camp on Lane 19, Oromocto Lake, Tweedside, surrounded by 3 other properties of family camps. There are so many wonderful family memories of fishing, boating, swimming, bonfires and large family gatherings. Jack was indeed a real family man.

Jack was a talented handyman/carpenter and spent many years in his retirement working in the home renovation industry. He was a “Jack” of all trades with a long client list and worked nonstop on their own homes under Audrey’s watchful eye. He was very active in life well into his 80’s when Audrey finally told him “no more ladders or chainsaws”.

There will be a celebration of life on April 8, 2023 from 1:00-3:00 at Capital Funeral Home and Cemetery, 3700 Prince of Wales Drive in Nepean, Ontario. A second celebration will be held in New Brunswick at Oromocto Lake with a date to follow. Condolences may be sent to www.capitalmemorial.ca and donations to the Alzheimer’s Society would be greatly appreciated. The family is very grateful for the wonderful care Jack received at the Ravines Retirement Residence in Ottawa

https://www.arbormemorial.ca/capital/obituaries/john-jack-mcdonald/100264