Roderick ‘Rod’ Allan MacDonald
March 4, 2017
Roderick Allan MacDonald died peacefully surrounded by his family at home, on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at age 71. Beloved husband to Sharanne (McMurchy) MacDonald for 32 years. Dear father of Tara (predeceased, March 2016) and her husband Hugh Getliffe, Strathroy; Robert and Patti MacDonald, Goderich; Grant (Lauren), and Hillary (Kevin) of London. Loving Grandpa to Amanda and Morgan Getliffe and Jack and Joe MacDonald. Brother-in-law to Grant and Nida McMurchy and Uncle to William, Joanna, and Victoria McMurchy, all of Clarksburg, Ontario. Rod remembered, with fondness, the siblings, nieces, and nephews of the family of his ex-wife, the late Barbara (Vail) Merlo. Predeceased by his parents, Len and Din MacDonald. As a Londoner of several generations, Rod was blessed to have many of the same friends throughout his entire life. Rod was a big guy, easy recognized and had a contented disposition. He was called “Whitey” – for his blonde hair, long gone! Rod enjoyed playing sports throughout his life. He played defense for the London Nationals Hockey team – precursor of the London Knights – receiving an invitation to the Chicago Blackhawks training camp. Rod worked for the London PUC for over 32 years retiring as Supervisor of Food Services for the arenas, golf courses and Storybook Gardens. Rod was the ultimate party planner for many functions at the PUC, and during retirement, was instrumental in planning golf tournaments, for many years, to Boyne, Michigan. Most summers throughout his life were spent at the family cottage in Point Clark. Rod loved to play bridge – at work and later in retirement. He delighted in the win, loved the comradery, banter, and the challenge that the game brought. He enjoyed watching TV as it appeared that all stations only received sports! Rod’s life centred on his family. He was the happiest when everyone checked in with the news of their day. Rod was an active, faithful member of Riverside United Church sitting on several committees. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London. The funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at RIVERSIDE UNITED CHURCH, 695 Riverside Drive, London with Reverend David Exley officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Riverside United Church (reNEW fund) or the charity of your choice.
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Sending our condolences to the entire MacDonald family. We have been family friends for many, many years. Lots of fond memories at the cottage with "Whitey" and his "red pops". Lots of boat club parties, happy hours, bonfires and deck parties over the years. Rod will be sadly missed by all of us. Sending hugs and prayers to all at this difficult time. Love The Wilson's xoxo
Our most sincere sympathies to you and your family on Rod's passing. So very sorry to hear the news. We know you have many treasured memories to cherish.
RIP Whitey ...........
(Donated to Riverside United Church)
(Donated to Riverside United Church)
(Donated to Riverside United Church)
(Donated to Riverside United Church)
(Donated to Riverside United Church)
(Donated to Riverside United Church)
(Donated to Riverside United Church)
(Donated to Riverside United Church)
(Donated to Riverside United Church)
(Donated to Riverside United Church)
(Donated to Riverside United Church)
(Donated to Riverside United Church)
(Donated to Riverside United Church)
(Donated to Riverside United Church)
(Donated to Riverside United Church)
(Donated to Riverside United Church)
Sharanne and family, Sorry to hear of your loss. I have great memories of working with Rod at the P.U.C for over 24 years. Larry What an amazing difference one life can make.
Sharanne, Grant and Hillary, my sincere condolances on Rod's passing. May your countless happy memories provide you with some comfort at this very difficult time.
My sincere condolences to Sharanne and your family. I've been sorting photos and that brought back many memories. The trip to the Dominican and the golfers played mud golf. Great family fun at the Slowpitch games and tournaments. Happy beach days at your cottage. Good memories of a good man.
Sharanne, I was so sorry to learn of Rod's passing. Dave and I wish to extend to you and your family our sincere condolences. When the time is right, I would love to have a visit with you.
My sincere condolences to all Rod's family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love, Marie
Our most sincere condolences to the MacDonald family at this sad time. Rod's sunny disposition was enjoyed by many at the Pine River Boat Club functions over the years.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the MacDonald family and friends for God's peace and comfort to surround and hug all of us at this time of celebrating Rod's wonderful life. We were grateful for all of your updates, Hillary. Thank-you.
Thinking of you all at this very sad time.
Dear Sharanne and Family, My thoughts are with you at this time of grief. It was awesome that Rod was able to be in his own home until the end, and that he could not help but know how much he was loved and cherished. I hope it is a comfort to you to know that, as well. Take care of yourselves, now, please. With love and prayers, Susan
My sincerest sympathies to the family. .so sorry for your loss. Your angels will be watching over you all.
Our deepest sympathies to you all at this very sad time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow. We know that the love in this family will be your strength as you work through your pain and suffering and grieve together.His passing is such a great loss .Our deepest condolences.G and R.B.
Michael and I wish to extend our deepest sympathies to your family during this unfortunate time . We pray for God's healing love and strength to encompass all of you with His loving arms.
So sorry to hear Rob and Patti, Jack & Joe, thinking of you and entire family .. our deepest sympathies Luke & Vaila and family ...
I haven't seen 'Whitey' for over 35 years, however, he is still recognizable by his smile. Despite the little I knew him, he seemed to leave a lasting great impression on whomever he encountered. Our deepest condolences. Dwayne and Kelly Lewis
You will surely be missed, my dear friend ... your kind, caring heart ... bright smile and happy chuckle. You were a good friend to Larry and we had some great times together. I will miss your caring phone call, each year in June, on the date of Larry's passing ... so thoughtful. Sharanne and Hillary, your care for Whitey was never ending. I commend you both on being such wonderful caregivers, always welcoming guests and creating such happy moments for him. Hillary, your weekly updates were so well written with such care and love. I send love and hugs to all the family. Memories are yours forever, Lynn, Kim and Mike, Nicole and Marc
On behalf of the Moore family, I extend my sincere condolences to Rod's family. Rod's mother Din was a life-long friend to my mother Mary Moore. We last saw Rod when he attended my mom's visitation at the funeral home in 2007. We hadn't seen each other since childhood. This was such a kind and thoughtful gesture, for him to honour the close relationship of our mothers. I'm sure that many people in Rod's life were grateful for his empathy and decency, and he will be sorely missed. RIP Rod.
With our deepest sympathies the family of Robert Pook wish the family of "Whitey" MacDonald our condolences. He was a very memorable man and made many friends.
Sharanne and family, our deepest sympathies go out to the whole family. RIP Rod. Brenda and Paul Hicks
We will so miss the caring phone calls from our dearest and one of our oldest friends. Rod was a most wonderful friend. He was always interested in the happenings of all our family members. Rod was the first friend we'd call....he celebrated our happy events and was solid emotional support in our darker times. We have our happy memories to hang on to: Family Christmas brunches, family bar- b-ques, weddings, new babies, golf trips, baseball tournaments, and recently heart warming visits at 44 Bloomfield Drive. We send our love to all of the family.
Sharanne, Grant, Hillary and family. We are thinking of you at this very tough time and hoping that happy family memories will put a smile on your face. We enjoyed some great afternoons standing beside Rod on the football field . . .he was definitely their biggest fan!
Sharanne, Hilary and Grant...we are sending our sympathy to you all and your family during this difficult time. May all your many memories comfort you and bring peace into your heart!
Sharrane and family, Rod was my neighbour for many many Sundays - me at projection and Rod in his usual spot: back row, right side. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sharanne, Hillary, Grant, Robbie and family We send our sympathy to all the family...Rod has been a true friend of ours for many years...we have shared many good times together, lots of phone calls, baseball games, a little hockey, some wonderful golf trips and vacations together and some unplanned drop in visits...all that adds up to great memories that will last forever...Thank you Hillary for all the communication on a weekly basis..it was appreciated by everyone...may we all remember the "Good Times" and thank you Sharanne for being you...Grant...Dad loved you and you will always have the terrific memories of times together...Robbie...I am sure you have wonderful memories over the years of times shared with family...May the Good Lord give you all strength and support at this time...Move on with your lives and be Happy just like Rod would want you to...
Sharanne we are very sad to hear of Rod's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
In this time of sadness Sine Brett Brooke and myself wish you all the best. Whitey was like a brother to me. He is a brother in the craft. All of us will miss the fun times and Whiteys love for all. One is never gone when remembered in the heart. God accepts and does not take. My friend is in a good place Den
We are heartbroken to hear the sad news of Rod's passing. We cherish the fond memories shared through out the years,the warmth,love and laughter extended to my family will never fade. Our thoughts and prayers to you,your family and friends in this the most difficult of times.
Dear Sharanne, Grant, Hillary and family: We are so sorry for the loss of Rod. He was a kind hearted soul who will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Pat, Andrew, Carly and Anne
Our condolences to Sharanne and the whole family. May your strong family ties comfort you at this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you
My condolences to Rod's family. I think so fondly of Rod through the many years I worked with him at the PUC. His ever present smile, joy of life and love for his family come immediately to mind. Thinking of you Whitey with a big smile.
Dear Sharanne As you know our acquaintance with Rod and his family goes a long way back and we knew him to be a fun loving guy. He will be missed by many and you will surely miss your life with him. Hold on to all the favourite memories and the support of those around you. Shalom Norine and Garth
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