Obituary of Bill McDonald

Obituary William (Bill) Wilson McDonald was born on July 14, 1930 on the family farm in Baldonnel, BC to parents William and Vida McDonald. The rugged demands of early pioneer life helped shape his character. Bill loved the land and homesteaded his first quarter when he was 17 years of age. Bill raised his family on the banks of the Beatton River, just half a mile from where he was born. When Bill was about ten years of age his mother took a teaching position at Moberly Lake. The next spring upon their return, Fort St. John had changed from a small pioneer village to a huge construction camp due to the building of the Alaska Highway. In 1957 the country started opening up again with oil rigs, the refining plant at Taylor, the PGE Railroad and two new bridges across the Peace River. Bill went to work for Baynes Manning on the building of the PGE Bridge and after that the present Highway Bridge over the Alaska Highway. In 1957, Bill and Sherry Thompson were married. Bill and Sherry gave birth to their first child April in 1959, their son Laurie followed in 1960, their daughter Miriam in 1962 and in 1972, Bill's youngest daughter Holly was born. Horses were a love throughout Bill's life. Bill trained them, rode them, purchased them and sold them. He purchased and sold horses in the Caribou, Southern Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the United States and locally. His grandchildren have used horses from his mares to win Rodeo competitions. Bill rode saddle bronc's in the local rodeos, and even went to Southern Alberta to ride professionally. Due to his love for both children and horses, Bill started a 4-H Horse Club and spent many enjoyable hours teaching the children and helping whenever possible. As a Real-Estate Appraiser Bill started and developed McDonald Appraisals Inc. His son Laurie now owns the business as the company continues to grow and thrive. As an Appraiser, Bill obtained the Professional Designations of AACI - Professional Appraiser, RIBC - Real Estate Institute of British Columbia and FRI - Fellowship of Real Estate Institute. In 1993 Bill developed Renal Failure and was sent to the University Hospital of Edmonton. In 1997 Sherry was able to successfully donate one of her kidneys to her beloved husband. As his health improved, Bill decided to start another real-estate appraisal business; "True North Appraisals". He enjoyed building another business but as the business grew his health could not maintain the increasing demand so he retired to manage the home quarter. Bill was a good father, always encouraging his children to be "The Best They Could Be". Bill lived to see his children and grandchildren grow to become strong, independent individuals and he was overjoyed at the birth of his three great grandchildren. Bill's legacy and interests will live on through those who knew him best. His family loved him dearly and he will be greatly missed by all. Services