Obituary of John-Vincent Macdonald

MACDONALD, John Vincent Born May 14, 1930 in Powell River, BC and passed away suddenly March 25, 2013 in Victoria. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife Carole, his sister Isabel, sisters-in-law Marianne Jones, Patricia Jones, and (much loved) nieces and nephews Scott Jones (Jane), Ron Jones, Megan Mooibroek (Bart) and Janet Jones-Hatif (Guy) and their children. John was predeceased by his parents Nellie (Simpson) and Alexander McDonald and will be remembered by many cousins on the Simpson and McDonald sides. John was raised in Powell River, Cape Breton, Ocean Falls, and Vancouver. After graduating from UBC in Mechanical Engineering in 1953, he spent a short period in Hamilton and New York with Otis Elevator before returning to Vancouver and joining Swan Wooster Engineering Co. where he remained until retirement. A colleague of John's wrote that he was instrumental in the development of Swan Wooster on the world stage. He was referred to as the "Idea Man", always challenging himself and others to design improvements to the marine terminal equipment. It was sports that brought John and Carole together in 1969. Enthusiastic badminton and tennis players, they valued the friendships made at Jericho, Vancouver and Glen Meadows Tennis Clubs. Their favourite vacation haunts were Yellowpoint Lodge and their property at Retreat Cove on Galiano Island. John's wide-ranging interests included classical music, oil painting, cartooning, history, astronomy and wine-making, but his passion was designing and tending the garden preferably while listening to a Puccini opera. In social situations, if encouraged, he would tell limericks or recite poetry, but best of all he liked to stimulate lively discussions and ardent debates. John will be remembered for his engaging manner, his kind and generous heart, his teasing and gentle wit all of which will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Thank you to the staff of the Royal Victoria Theatre, BC Ambulance, VPD and the Coroner for their compassionate care. John did not wish a memorial service. The family will gather to remember him. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations in John's name to the Victoria Symphony Society, 620 View Street, Suite 610, Victoria, BC V8W 1J6 would be appreciated.