Obituary of Robert MacDonnell

After a brief illness, Rob passed away in Calgary, where he had lived and worked for the past 5 years. He is survived by his brother William (Carol), his niece Elizabeth Birss (Scott), his sister-in-law Susan MacDonnell, his aunt Margaret Weetman, and numerous cousins; predeceased by parents William Malcolm and Gwynneth, and his brother Thomas. Rob was born in Summerside, PEI and as an "air force brat" lived in many cities, but the real family home was at Crescent Beach near Sutton on Lake Simcoe, where Rob finished high school. Rob's career was varied: he worked for the CBC in Churchill MB and did his version of "late nights on air" in Whitehorse YT; and worked in theatre for a number of years both before and after studying theatre at Ryerson in Toronto. He travelled to the UK with one theatre production. In his last 5 years he worked in the security sector where he was much respected by his colleagues. Rob was an avid gardener and cook, and a generous host. Indeed, his kindness, generosity and ready smile are qualities that are most remembered by many friends and colleagues. Undoubtedly the peak experience of Rob's life was sailing on the tall ship Picton Castle, from Halifax to Panama, and then a reunion voyage on Lake Ontario. A Memorial Service will be held in Christ Church Roche's Point, Friday, June 13, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. Interment of cremated remains Christ Church Cemetery. Arrangements in care of Forrest & Taylor Funeral Home, Sutton 905-722-3274.