Obituary of Clair McDonald

McDonald - Mr. Clair McDonald, longtime Yorkton resident, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 88 years of age. Clair Ross McDonald was born on July 10, 1921 at Semans, Saskatchewan; the second in a family of five girls and five boys born to Earl and Verna (nee Smith) McDonald. He was raised on the family farm and received his education in the district. As a young man Clair enlisted into the RCAF at Winnipeg. He was shortly after sent to Lachine and then Montreal in Quebec to receive his wireless training. Upon graduation Clair was posted in Yorkton as a Wireless Electrical Mechanic, with the rank of Corporal. Here Clair installed S.B.A. receivers in Anson and Cornell aircraft. In January of 1944 he was posted overseas at Tholthorpe in Northern England. He served in the far east and then in Holland and in July of 1945 was on his way home, receiving his discharge on November 30, 1945 in Regina. In 1947 he was united in marriage to Beatrice Ethel Batke. Clair began employment with the Department of Highways in the late 1950's, retiring in 1985. In 1987 Ethel passed away but Clair continued to reside in Yorkton following that time. Clair was a quiet, reserved individual, but he took an active interest in people and his surroundings. He was a lifetime member of the Yorkton Thresherman's Club, where he lent his expertise in restoring steam engines. During his working years, he enjoyed helping local farmers with their mechanical problems on their equipment. He was sports minded, enjoying golf, darts and horseshoes (he was the family horseshoe champion). He was a longtime member of the General Alexander Ross branch #77, Yorkton, and took part in many of the Legion activities over the years. He was also a devoted family man, who greatly enjoyed the time spent with family and friends. Besides his wife, Clair was predeceased by his parents; brothers Donald and Clifford; and by a sister Eileen. He leaves to cherish his memory his son Blaine (Jeanne) McDonald of Kennedy, SK; a grandson Jason (Jen) McDonald of Estevan; Clair's friend Kay Lindenback of Yorkton; five sisters: Margaret Whalen of Kingston, ON; Faye Johnson of Thunder Bay, ON; Orma (Ivan) Bigfork of Lethbridge, AB; Evelyn (Ted) Vandenburg of West Lorne, ON; and June (Al) Schuster of Regina; three brothers: Lloyd (Mildred) McDonald of Saskatoon; Robert (Liz) McDonald of Mexico; and Richard (Pat Sherman-Hlus) McDonald of Lethbridge; numerous nieces, nephews, and his many other relatives and friends. The funeral service was held on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Faye Greer of Westview United Church officiating. Organist, Amanda Buhler led the congegation in the singing of the hymns 'How Great Thou Art' and 'Just A Closer Walk With Thee'. Members of the General Alexander Ross Branch #77, Yorkton attended and gave the Legion Tribute Service. The Sgt-at-arms was Peter Wyatt, the Padre was John MIller, color party was Bill McQuarrie, Russell Bischop, George Arnold and Andy Juba as well as other Legion members who made up the honor guard. The interment took place in the Yorkton City Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 11:00am, Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery