With great sadness we announce the passing of Godfrey McDonald peacefully at the age of 87 on January 27, 2025. He was predeceased by his wife Sheila. For over 69 cherished years they built a life, family and a legacy defined by unwavering love and unity. They shared a happy life full of simple pleasures. He will be greatly missed by his children Dean (Carol) and Gwen-Ella (John), and granddaughter Joanna (Quinn).
Godfrey was born Godfrey William David Joseph McDonald in La Fleche, Saskatchewan on July 29th, 1937. He was the loving son of Bill and Emilie McDonald and the treasured brother to surviving sisters Grace and Margaret (Michelle). In 1956 he married his high school sweetheart Sheila Ablett in Salmo, B.C. Together they started a journey through many mining towns in Canada to pursue his career, finally settling in Mississauga, Ontario for the last 49 years.
Funeral services and Celebration of Life will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 2473 Thorn Lodge Drive, Mississauga, Ontario on Friday, February 14th at 11:00 AM.
Godfrey was a dedicated father first and foremost. He treasured his children, granddaughter and adopted grandchildren (JD, Kevin and Krista) and embraced every moment with them. Godfrey was very proud of his family and friends and loved having gatherings with everyone. He had a great sense of humour and the knack of finding the upside in every situation. He made friends whereever he went with his kindness and compassion.
Godfrey grew up on a farm and was a consummate jack of all trades. There was not a project at home that he would not tackle. In his younger years he was a Scout Master and always thought highly of his Boy Scouts. He was devoted to his church his entire life and active as a volunteer and a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus. Godfrey avidly followed his beloved Toronto Blue Jays, BC Lions and Montreal Canadiens through thick and thin.
Godfrey was passionate about his career as a metallurgist/mineral processor which took him to many places throughout the world. He always approached his work with dedication and enthusiasm consisting of a formula of curiosity, creativity and imagination. His work was always meticulous and thorough. His leadership and mentorship earned him the respect of his colleagues. During his career he was a man of great integrity, honesty and character.
With his wife he had a passion for travelling around the world for work and pleasure. For over 20 years they were snowbirds in Arizona and each year they unfailingly travelled back to B.C. to see family and friends. His travel broadened his perspective of life and his place in it.
He was immensely proud of his family and leaves nothing but wonderful memories. Godfrey’s legacy is one of love and a life well-lived. He was a good man, generous, kind and loyal who inspired hope and resilience and will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. Though he may be gone, his spirit will live on in memories shared by all those who were fortunate enough to have been touched by his love and friendship.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Parkland on the Glen Retirement Home and Credit Valley Hospital for their care and compassion. And to all of our friends and family for their loving support.

In lieu of sending flowers please make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.