MACDONALD Ronald Alphonsus “Foncie”
May 1, 1927 - Mt. Stewart, Prince Edward Island
June 1, 2017 - Calgary, Alberta
Al (Foncie) MacDonald passed away peacefully on June 1, 2017 at the Wentworth Manor in Calgary, surrounded by loving family. Al was born on May 1, 1927, in Mt. Stewart, P.E.I., the seventh of ten children of John Angus (“Jack Pius”) and Jeanette MacDonald (nee Boyd). Al’s large loving family was raised on the family farm in Allisary, learning the values of hard work and a good Catholic upbringing. When Al was a young boy, he was very proud of his two brothers (Howard and Boyd) who volunteered into the Canadian army and served in
WWII. When their Mom died at an early age, the family was split up to live with relatives throughout P.E.I.. Following this difficult time, the siblings settled in various cities throughout Canada and the US. Despite this separation, the family remained very close-knit throughout their lives with family get-togethers on their beloved P.E.I., the highlight of any given summer. Al left the Island at an early age to train as a chef at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto and the Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta. Eventually, Al made his way to the Bahamas where he worked as an Executive Chef at the finest hotels in Nassau. In his day, Al earned distinguished accolades for the elaborate dinners that he served to such dignitaries as Queen Elizabeth II, John F. Kennedy, Muhammad Ali, The Beatles, and many more!! You can imagine how we, his family, loved to have him cook for us!! In Nassau, Al met the love of his life, Gladys Cook, and they were married in 1969. Al and Gladys enjoyed many years in Nassau together before retiring to Florida and eventually Calgary. Although they never had children, their nieces and nephews certainly were like children of their own and their sound advice was always appreciated! Al cared for his beloved “Glady” when she became sick in her later years and he showed her tremendous love and devotion until her passing in 2005. For many summers thereafter Al enjoyed family visits back to P.E.I. He particularly loved card games with his clan and fishing trips to many of his old favorite spots!! Al lived out his remaining years in Calgary being “Uncle Al” to his nieces and nephews through lots of visits and phone calls. He was also very active with his close “condo friends”, enjoying their company, golfing, playing cards, and volunteering for numerous events. Al is survived by his sister Eileen Gillis; his brother Leonard MacDonald; brother-in-law John Fisher; sister-in-law Nuala MacDonald; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Al was predeceased by his brothers, Pius, Howard, Boyd and Charles; and his sisters, Helen, Marion and Estelle. Everybody that knew Al had a unique story to tell, an act of kindness or goodwill that they had seen Al carry out. Those stories are too numerous to repeat but suffice it to say, Al was a very kind, gentle, generous, and loving man. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all that knew him. Al lived and very much enjoyed a full life, his love and friendship will be a cherished memory to us all!! Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W.) on Monday, June 5, 2017 at 10 a.m. Reception to follow at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest this summer in his beloved P.E.I. at St. Andrew’s Cemetery across the river from his old family farm. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in Al’s honour may be made directly to the STARS Ambulance, 1441 Aviation Park N.E., Box 570, Calgary, A.B., T2E 8M7, Telephone: 403-295-1811, www.stars.ca/ab. In living memory of Al MacDonald, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. CALGARY, A.B. T3G 2T3 Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.