September 27, 1930 – April 1, 2015

A family man with four children, a retired company man with over 45 years in the wholesale food business with W.H.Malkin Ltd (later Kelly Douglas), an oil painter of imaginative creations, an avid photographer of the outdoors, a golfer, a lacrosse player for the Kamloops Clippers in his early years, and in his heart – forever a cowboy – stemming from his early days growing up in the Nicola Valley where his great grandparents emigrated from Italy and homesteaded Diamondvale Ranch and later owned and operated a general store in Merritt, B.C. – Reginald Vernon (Vern) McDonald, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2015 at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria; his two loving daughters, Cheryl Leslie Marie McDonald, a Registered Nurse and strong advocate for his care and comfort, and Francis Kim Tremblay, a social services facilitator, were at his side. Vern’s two boys, Reginald Michael McDonald, a practicing architect, and Carman Bradford McDonald, operating partner of an independent food store, together with his wife and many family members, their spouses and his grandchildren stood by him in his final days in hospital.

Earlier this year, in February, Vern and his bride, Hazel Shirley Mary (Okipski), celebrated 61 years of marriage together with their family at a wonderful dinner party out on the town. At 84, Vern lived a long and full life – if you knew him, then you would know his handsome smile. He will be missed and to his family, he will always be dad, grandpa and loving husband – rest in peace.  Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Bros. Funeral Home

www.mccallbros.com.

  • Valerie (Candido) McVie

    Dear Hazel, Cheryl, Kim, Michael, Brad and families ~ Please accept my sincere condolences on the death of Vern…thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Keep your memories close…I have very fond memories of all of you arriving at our house Christmas afternoons for a quick visit, drink, and sing-a-long before you headed out the door for dinner with Len and Fran. Cherish all your family times ~ they will keep you together. Love Val

  • Donica Fischer

    I was sorry to hear about Mr. MacDonald’s passing. I have fond memories of the McDonald family from Caroline Street in Kamloops. My sincerest condolences to Hazel and family. My thoughts are with you. Donica Fischer

  • BRAD DAVIES

    I didn’t know Vern very well but each time I met him he was a true gentleman. I express
    my condolences to the family. Brad Davies

  • Lori Gair

    Sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing Cheryl. My sincere condolences. Lori

  • John & Geraldine Glowacki

    We were so very sorry to hear about Vern’s passing. Our thoughts are with you Hazel and all of your family. Sincere condolences, with love, ️Johnny & Geraldine Glowacki

  • John and Diane Schmuck

    Hazel and family, John and I are saddened to hear of the passing of Vern. Our sympathy to you and all of your family.

  • Ron and Susan Durant

    Susan and I were sorry to hear of Verns passing. We have many good memories of dinners and even surprise retirement parties, always including some laughs and good stories while we all lived in Dawson Creek ..(. with the likes of Randy Bender.) Hazel, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Sincerely, Ron and Susan Durant.

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