CKRC o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2006-05-06 published
MacDONALD,
Robert
K. "
Bob"
'The world has lost a tremendous human being, a loving friend
and humanitarian' (S. Jukes, 2 May 2006.) Robert K. (Bob)
MacDONALD
died May 1 at the Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington at the
age of 78. A veteran Canadian broadcaster, 'Mr. Mac' was a retired
Vice-President of Armadale Communications. An elementary school
teacher by training, he began his broadcasting career in 1950
as an announcer at
CFAR in Flin Flon, and later went on to work
at CJGX
Yorkton and
CKCK
Regina. At
CKRC Winnipeg, he became
General Manager, a position he subsequently held at
CKOC
Hamilton
before being named as Vice-President at Armadale in 1988. During
the course of his career, he discovered and trained many young
men and women who achieved success in prominent positions across
Canada. Bob was a member of the Canadian Association of Broadcaster's
Half Century Club and a former president of the Central Canada
Broadcaster's Association. He supported and held positions with
several charitable organizations including the Arts Council and
the United Way of Hamilton. He was a devoted husband to Margaret,
cherished father to Sandra and Sara, and beloved 'Grampa' to
Christopher.
Bob was the 'little' brother of Max
MacDONALD of
Edmonton and
of Glenn MacDONALD and Doreen
MORISON, now deceased.
He was a unique and special uncle to an extended network of nieces
and nephews. Years ago, Bob had the opportunity to speak at length
with Pierre Trudeau following a small gathering of broadcasters.
Upon leaving Trudeau remarked, 'you are a very interesting man.'
For family and Friends, this comment is so indicative of Bob's
character and the fact that he never stopped learning, exploring,
and helping others. His special humour, gentle nature and unique
style will always be remembered with love by family and Friends.
We wish to extend our deepest thanks to Gus and Anja
SONDERMEYER,
to a very caring and compassionate physician, Doctor Kathy
THOMPSON/THOMSON/TOMPSON/TOMSON,
and to 'Auntie Helen'
(MacDONALD.)
Bob so appreciated the visits
of his many Friends who traveled from near and far to spend time
with him during his recent hospitalization. We also want express
our sincere thanks to the nursing staff of 5 South and special
caregivers, Gabrielle, Uta, Lydia, and Marie. Family, Friends,
and former colleagues are invited to a very informal open house
in celebration of Bob's life at the family home in Burlington
on Saturday, May 27th from 2-5 p.m. If desired, donations in
Bob's name may be made to the 'Rebuilding Health in Rwanda Project'
at the University of Western Ontario in London (c/o Foundation
Western, Alumni Hall, London, Ontario N6A 5B9).
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