Obituary of Robert Harold McDonald

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Robert “Bob” Harold McDonald on January 31, 2026, with his wife Heather and special friend Anne Dejeet present.

Bob was born in Vancouver, B.C. on November 8, 1942. He was the eldest of four children and the only son of the late Harold and Elizabeth (Betty) McDonald. Bob is survived by his sister, Audrey (Mark) Deering, and family.

Bob is also survived by his loving wife, Heather (Brown), his sons; Duncan and Shawn, stepson, Carey Rolfe (Denise); stepchildren, Jennifer, Colin and Corey (Rachael); granddaughter, Libby Jo; her mother, Jill Meredith; step-granddaughters, Olivia and Carina; their mother, Alicia Rei; step-grandchildren, John Michael, Nate, June and new-born, Roger Everett Robert.

Bob is also survived by his mother-in-law, Yvonne; Heather’s siblings, Kevin (Barbie), Graeme (Karen), Janice and Lisa (Stephen), as well as their children.

Bob was predeceased by his sisters, Marion and Carol; his father-in-law, Chester and his brother-in-law, Rick.

Bob’s family is large with many nieces, nephews, cousins in British Columbia and Bob had a lot of friends. Special thanks to Bryn Rowlands, Paul Sherwood and Sylvia Rowlands, Barry Arnold and Natalie Moriarty. Thanks to Joan Durdle, Gloria Boone and Judy Mansfield; Pam and Keith MacDonald and of course, Anne Dejeet. Special thanks to the gumption crew, who came to help Heather whenever she called.

Bob attended Notre Dame University in Nelson, B.C., but his vast career was shaped by his life experiences in his beloved British Columbia. Bob was a craftsman, carpenter, a photographer, an entrepreneur with his stepson Carey, a woodsman, a lumberman, a truck driver (every size), a banker, a businessman, and always a storyteller.

When Bob met Heather, he was introduced to The Salvation Army. There, he found a special place to help and thrived in many roles – especially helping with the Christmas Kettles Campaign and driving The Salvation Army van to help whenever needed.

Thank you to his church family who sent cards, called him, visited him and prayed for him every day.

Also, thanks to his buddies from the Periodical Society and the Book Club ladies who provided lots of delicious meals for Bob.

He will be missed, but we believe he is now busy volunteering for projects in Heaven and, of course, telling lots of stories.

A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:30 pm at The Salvation Army Halifax West Community Church, 50 Gesner Street, Fairview, Halifax, NS. Family flowers only, please.

Donations may be made in Bob’s memory to The Salvation Army Halifax West Community Church – Christmas Kettle Campaign. A reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall after the service. All are welcome.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert Street, Windsor (902-798-8317). Messages may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca, open the obituary and click on the condolence tab.