RICHARD McDONALD, beloved father of Parry and loving husband of the late Lori McDonald passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, May 7, 2011, surrounded by his family.

Dick was born in Jasmin, Saskatchewan on June 29, 1940, the youngest of twelve children. The family moved to Love, Saskatchewan five years later and to Carrot River shortly thereafter.

His father was a grain buyer and his mother was a homemaker. His parents died within one week of each other in 1982, thus beginning a tradition - McDonald Family Reunions every three years in various parts of Canada.

Upon graduation, Dick ventured to Regina to attend Teacher's College where he met Loretta Ausum and they were married in 1960. Both obtained teaching jobs in Hoosier, Saskatchewan for one year and then returned to Carrot River where they remained until 1969, at which time the family moved to Lethbridge where Dick completed his Bachelor of Education degree. From 1969 until his retirement in 1995, Dick taught at Hamilton Jr. High, during which time he missed approximately only two days of school due to illness. Dick had a special affinity for students who struggled but were still willing to put forth effort. He spent countless hours after school providing extra help.

Dick was a big hockey fan, and in particular enjoyed cheering for the Calgary Flames.

Besides his only son Parry, Dick leaves behind many loving relatives and very close friends; in particular his loving companion of eighteen years, Pat Sherman, who has enriched his life immensely. Pat's son Jaret and daughter Jackie Inaba, her husband Trevor, and their children Kieran and Ryland have been members of the family.

Dick's greatest pride and joy however were his grandsons Joseph and Jack, whom he cherished and adored. Attending Joseph's golf, baseball and basketball and Jack's baseball and basketball games were the highlights of his day. He was very proud of them and not afraid to say so.

The last month of Dick's life was a struggle; however, his discomfort and fears were tremendously reduced by the excellent care he received in the Renal Unit, Hemodialysis, and ICU at the Chinook Regional Hospital.

Dick is survived by his son Parry; grandsons Joseph and Jack; companion Pat, her family Jackie, Trevor, Jaret, Kieran, and Ryland; sisters and brothers-in-law Margaret Whalen, Faye Johnson, Orma and Ivan Bigford, Evelyn and Ted Vandenberg, and June and Al Schuster, brother and sister-in-law Robert and Elizabeth McDonald; Lori's family Audrey and Ed Ewanchuck and Allan and Linda Ausum; and twenty-two nieces and nephews and their families. Dick was predeceased by his wife Lori, parents Mac and Verna McDonald, mother and father-in-law Ray and Esther Ausum, sister Eileen, and brothers Cliff, Clair, Lloyd, and Donald.

At Dick's request a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers the family would ask that a donation be made to the Lethbridge Renal Unit, 960 19 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5.