It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Kennedy Macdonald (Ken) on Wednesday, March 6 after a prolonged struggle with MDS and lung cancer, which he faced with courage and hope. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 47 years, Beverly (Martin); daughter Ann (Dean Mitrovich) and grandchildren Nicholas and Sara; son John (Debbie Radley) and grandchildren John (Jack) and Kathleen (Kate); son David (Cathy Gibson) and grandchildren Zachary, Samuel and Georgia; daughter Sarah (Mike Wells) and grandchildren Jacob and Isaac, and Eric Wilson to whom he was a special mentor/role model and his daughter Enola. Ken was the eldest of five siblings born to the late Brigadier General J.K. Macdonald and Sara (Dadie) Landry of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Mourning his loss are his brother Bill (Loretta) of Victoria, BC; brother Donald (Sandie) of Dartmouth, NS; sister Margaret-Ann of Pender Island, BC, Jim (Donna Wilson) of Wolfville, NS and their respective families. Ken was also a much loved son-in-law of the late George and Ann Martin of Hamilton and brother-in-law to Barbara (Bob Willman) of Edmonton, AB; Byron Martin (Sharon) of Stittsville, ON; Paul Martin (Paula) of Kanata, ON, and uncle to their families. After completing an undergraduate degree at the University of Ottawa ‘64 and marrying in ‘65 he was blessed with the births of his first two children. While being a devoted father, Ken demonstrated his commitment to higher learning by completing a Masters degree in Social Work at the University of Toronto in ‘69. Ken’s career began at the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Metro Toronto. In 1974 he assumed the position of Director of Child Welfare for the Province of Ontario. In 1979 Ken was appointed Regional Director of Child and Adult Services for South-Eastern Ontario and the family, which then numbered six, moved to Kingston. Upon retiring from his position at the Ministry, he was fortunate to secure a research/teaching position with Queen’s University in the Dept. Of Community Health and Epidemiology where he remained until his final retirement in 2007. In his professional life as in his personal life, Ken garnered the respect of his colleagues, students and friends for his wisdom, thoughtfulness and integrity. Ken loved to putter in his home and garden with no project too insurmountable as he carefully planned and executed each detail. He enjoyed reading, politics and sports. Having learned to play bridge as an undergraduate in the early ‘60s he continued to play for the next 50 years, though his bridge group knew well it was never his goal to master the game. For as much as he loved the challenge, he loved more the time and camaraderie spent with the friends he made and played with, many for over 30 years.
First and foremost, Ken was a family man enjoying every moment of time spent with Bev, their children, grandchildren and extended family. He loved and was loved dearly and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of sharing his life. The family wish to express their sincere gratitude to the many medical practitioners, hospital personnel, CCAC and homecare staff who have helped Ken through this journey, especially Dr. Ian Casson, his family physician.
Visitation will take place at Wartman Funeral Home, Kingston Chapel (980 Collins Bay Road, 613-634-3722) on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Funeral Service will take place at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 1111 Taylor Kidd Blvd. on Wednesday, March 13 at 1p.m., followed by a reception in the Wartman Funeral Home Reception Centre. In lieu of flowers and in recognition of Ken’s commitment to integration of those with special needs, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to Community Living Kingston (Sunburst Fund), Ongwanada Resource Center (Client Services}, UHKF - NICU or a charity of your choice.


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