We Remember

MacDonald, Ronald Joseph

March 20, 1927 — February 5, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, Ronald Joseph MacDonald (Ron; Ran) of West Kelowna, British Columbia, at age 98, after a short but valiant battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, at the Central Okanagan Hospice House on February 5, 2026.

He was the son of the late James and Jesse (née Beaton) MacDonald and was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Evelyn MacDonald (née Bates) and his siblings Danny, Mary, Allan, Alex, Katherine, Phonse, and Margaret. He is survived by his children Kevin, Kathy (Darcy), Paula (Jerry), Dana (Joe) as well as grandchildren Maria, Christa, Stephanie, Kimberly, Taylor, and 7 great-grandchildren. Furthermore, he is also survived by his sister-in-law Wilma MacSween (née Bates) of New Waterford, N.S. and brother-in-law Lawrence Bates (Dina) of West Kelowna, BC, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Dad was born in Mabou Ridge, Cape Breton Island, NS, but was raised in New Waterford, NS, where his family relocated when he was a toddler. It was there that he met and married the love of his life and our beautiful mother, Evie Bates. Among other jobs, Dad worked as a coal miner before they relocated to Western Canada and eventually settled in Regina, SK, where they raised their family. He returned to school and completed a BA from the University of Saskatchewan, Regina Campus in 1974. He enjoyed a successful career with the Federal Government Civil Service until his retirement in 1991. Dad was very active in the community in a number of roles, including starting the first girls’ softball league in Regina. He was a devoted husband and family man; his family was his pride and joy. He and Mom retired in West Kelowna, BC, where they happily lived out the remainder of their years.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Interior Health Community Palliative Care Nurses for their wonderful care and compassion for not only Dad, but our family as well. Words cannot express how grateful we are to the Central Okanagan Hospice House Nursing Staff, House Moms and volunteers for their exceptional skill and gentle kindness and caring of our beloved father. We would also like to express our gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Morris for the care he has provided for Dad over the past 20 years as his primary care physician.

Cremation has taken place, and there will be a Celebration of Life held at Dad’s home this spring, details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate donations to the Central Okanagan Hospice House or the BC Cancer Foundation in memory of both of our parents, Ron and Evelyn MacDonald.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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Kelowna Hospice House and BC Cancer Foundation Link: hospicehousekelowna.com, bccancerfoundation.com

 


 


Condolences

  • Cody says:

    Sarah , Karen and myself are so sadden to hear about the loss of Ronald. He was a boisterous and kind man. Whenever he would come in for a service on his hearing aids he would proclaim RONALD MACDONALDS THE NAME always having some funny spin or pun on the burger place lol. Sending care, The Connect Hearing Team.

  • Joan Krochak(Bates) says:

    Kevin, Kathy, Paula, Dana and Families
    Deepest sympathies to you on the passing of your Dad and Mom. They were great people. I remember the gentleness and how soft spoken your Dad was. We had many spirited discussions and card games with many laughs.
    Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.

  • Lance & Helen Holton says:

    Lance and I are deeply saddened to lose our wonderful neighbour of 32 years. We will miss the conversations and Ron’s humour. Such a nice man he was. We will never forget the day we all met. He introduced himself right away. Hi! I’m Ronald MacDonald and just laughed! Still brings a smile to my face today, Eventually we started having grandchildren and I will never forget when he told us how he loved seeing our grandkids happily running around in our backyard. The best neighbour ever! We hope Ron is on a beautiful new adventure with his beloved Ev. Our deep and sincere condolences to Ron’s family. Love Lance & Helen xoxoxox

  • Rob & Lonnie O'Leary says:

    We were so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Your dad had a calm, quiet presence that always made us feel fortunate to have known him, even in a small way. Please accept our sincere condolences – wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.

  • Jeanne Senger says:

    I was so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I always admired him. Much caring thoughts to his family.

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