MACDONALD, Ronald Joseph MacDonald

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.