07/01/2025
Paul Joseph Alfred McDonald
1935 - 2025
Paul Joseph Alfred McDonald of Latchford, Ontario, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on November 3, 1935, in Ottawa, Ontario, to the late Lawrence and Rose (née Proulx) McDonald, Paul leaves behind a proud and loving legacy in his six children: Rose-Anne Wright (Gerald) Brookfield, N.S.; Mary Wickens (Ray) Earlton; Cathy Gow (Scott) Sudbury; Dianne Arpa (Dan)Thornloe; JoAnne Gaboury (Scott) Bonfield; and his only son, Grant McDonald (Trudy) of Latchford.
Paul was a cherished grandfather to Brent (Kara), Michael, Shawn, Cameron, Eden (Riley), Braeden, Brett, Dylan (Karla), Dawson (Katera), Kelsey, Dalton (Riley), Kyla (Steve), Avery (Cameron), Lukas, Bailey (Victoria), and Brody (Daphne).
He was blessed with many great-grandchildren: Rosalie, Amelia, Emberly, Lily, Olive, William—and two more on the way. Siblings: brother Larry McDonald of Port Alberni, B.C., and sister Melanie Goodwin (Dave) Smiths Falls, Ontario.
Paul is predeceased by his beloved wife, Lorraine (née Robertson); his parents, Lawrence and Rose; brother Mickey; sisters Rose-Marie Belinger and Catherine McKean; and great-grandson Felix.
Paul devoted his career to protecting Ontario's forests, a passion that shaped his life. On April 22, 1954, he graduated with honours from Kemptville Agricultural College. In 1955, he began working for the Department of Lands and Forests before continuing his education at Scaling School in 1957. He trained in the winters and fought forest fires during the summers before the Department became the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).
His work with the MNR first took him to familiar Latchford for four years, and then in May 1960, to Lady Evelyn where he met the love of his life and began a family. Later, he moved to remote Franz, Ontario, to serve as Chief Ranger Officer. Three years later, Paul selflessly pursued a demotion as Deputy Chief Ranger Officer at Hado headquarters in Monetville, knowing this would help his dream of returning to work in Temagami and live in Latchford; after eight years, that dream came true.
Some of Paul's fondest memories were of childhood summers when his mother would take him and his siblings to visit their grandmother in Latchford. To him, it was his paradise and later in life he purchased his first home there, where he lived for 52 years.
After retiring from the MNR with 32 years of service, Paul began his own wood-cutting business, Sawdust City Sam's Fuel Wood, supplying firewood to local seniors. Of all his accomplishments, it was in these later years that cutting wood, sharing stories, and helping others that brought him some of his greatest joy.
Paul had a lifetime of experiences that made for fascinating stories, always shared with anyone who cared to listen. He took great pride in telling people that his descendants are now spread all across Canada.
Our father's health began to decline following the heartbreaking loss of our mother six years ago. Yet, with strength, grace, and the loving support of cherished family friends Maxine Cannon, Marylin and Don Heavans for whom the family is so grateful, as he was able to remain in the family home before spending his final six weeks in the Temiskaming Hospital.
The entire McDonald family extends sincere heartfelt thanks for the many calls and visits from friends, and the wonderful, compassionate care Paul received as a patient during his final days.
Rest peacefully Dad, we love you. Your stories, your laughter, and your love will live on in us.
Family will have a private celebration of life at a later date. Donations can be made to the cancer society! Paul's final care has been entrusted to Buffam Leveille funeral home. Condolences and tributes can be left at www.buffamleveille.com