January 17, 1942 – March 12, 2023
at the age of 81 years:
There will be an informal celebration of life starting at 2:30pm on Friday, March 31st at the Sunnybrae Community Hall.
This world was blessed to have had Edward Myles McDonald for 81 years.
Born to Myles and Margaret McDonald on a farm in Matsqui BC, he was raised in Vancouver where he went to school and earned a reputation for being an elite athlete. He attended UBC where he studied Latin and played varsity football before earning his degree and becoming a high school teacher. Along the way, Ed played professional lacrosse for the Nanaimo Timbermen and then the New Westminster Salmonbellies, with whom he won a Mann Cup as a member of the 1965 Canadian Championship team.
Ed met his perfect partner, Marlene, in 1966 while teaching in Chilliwack and they married in 1967 before moving with their two sons from Yarrow to Salmon Arm in 1975 where they found an amazing home and community. Here, Ed was a respected and nurturing teacher, and was an institution at Jackson Jr. High before retiring from teaching and opening up a science and nature store.
Ed had a deep respect for nature, which led him to join the Shuswap Naturalists Club where he served as president for two decades. He found much joy working with this group and his passion for helping others discover the beauty in everything from mosquitos to milkweed made everyone he interacted with better appreciate nature.
Ed had a gentle demeanour and warm humour that made him a cherished son, brother, husband, and father; “Grampa Blue Eyes/Grampa Boom Boom/Wobble Head” was also a perfect grandfather to his beloved Abby and Jake.
He is survived by his wife Marlene, his children Grant, Deb, Chris, and Sarah, his grandchildren Abby and Jake, and his siblings Archie, Joy, and Cathy.
There will be an informal celebration of life starting at 2:30pm on Friday, March 31st at the Sunnybrae Community Hall. In lieu of flowers or gifts, a donation can be made to the “Shuswap Naturalists Bursary Fund” through the Shuswap Community Foundation.
I always looked forward to the days Ed and Marlene came to bottle. Hugs Marlene
I feel so grateful meeting you, Marlene and Ed at the Shuswap Naturalist meetings. Together you made nature come alive. I will always remember Ed ‘s love, his excitement and knowledge when he shared his naturalist stories. His love of all creatures, even raccoons!
Ed, will be truly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Dear Marlene and family, our heartfelt condolences on Ed’s passing. His legacy encompassed many wonderful things – he was “Uncle Ed” to our daughter, “Fast Eddie” to his colleagues, “Plant Manager” for J.L. Jackson and goodhearted friend to those of us privileged to have known him I’m certain he is in a place of infinite bird songs to identify and peaceful ponds alive with wondrous creatures. We will miss him.
Our condolences to Marlene and family. We met Ed at the Shuswap Naturalists Club and enjoyed his leadership. He leaves a Legacy of Natures knowledge for the Shuswap area. He will be missed but left with great memories.
A great man to know. He found everything in nature interesting, especially dung beetles.
Love and prayers to you and your family Marlene
We fondly remember many hours in school gyms; sitting in the cheering section with the McDonald’s as our boys showed their “stuff.” Many a laugh was shared and treasured. I wish I had the words that would help you in your sorrow. Please know our thoughts are with you.
Dear Marlene and family: I was saddened to hear of Ed’s passing. He was one of the best teachers my sons had. He had them for grade 9 English – imagine. They enjoyed their classes with him and Lawrence and I appreciated his efforts in teaching these boys. I had the pleasure of meeting Ed again through the Naturalists club and appreciated all he did for this group.
Love and prayers to you and yours.
I’ll always cherish the memories I had at your house with your family (including Herman). I am sorry about your dad’s loss. Please extend my condolences to your family.
Dear Marlene and family, I am glad I had the opportunity to know Ed as part of our extended family. My kids really appreciated Grandpa Boom Boom’s gentle nature when they visited with Abby and Jake. We are all wrapping our arms and hearts around you as you navigate the days ahead. With love, Liz, Max, Victoria, Johnathan, and Benjamin Shaw
Mr. McDonald was the best teacher I ever had. Always kind and thoughtful and he took a genuine interest in his students. My condolences to his family!
We will miss him. Every conversation was interesting. We always learnt something.