Donald George MacIntyre of Kincardine died Feb. 26, 2021, at the age of 70. Born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, in 1950, he was the son of George and Jessie MacIntyre. Donald spent a lot of his early years triumphing over many difficult times due to contracting polio at 22 months of age. He spent many years at the Island Sanatorium (as it was known then), separated from his family while having numerous operations and treatments for his recovery from polio. He began his work career at a very early age due to missing so much school in his formative years. He worked at the Island Grill and farms until he ventured to Toronto and Hamilton at the age of 15 - what a culture shock that must have been for such a young lad to experience. However, he took it all in stride, teaching himself to read and write, and ended up wearing many different hats: working in a meat-processing/packing plant (Essex Packers) and chemical plants (REBCO Chemicals), becoming a chef (Scott Chicken Villas, The Toronto Telegram and the Sheridan Connaught) and a trucker for various companies, as well as an owner/operator servicing both Canada (Ontario and Quebec) and the Eastern United States, and installing windows and siding. He made many friends along the way, a lot of them passing before him. He was well-loved and welcomed at parties for his quick wit and musical abilities. It just wasn’t a party without Donald playing his guitar and singing. He was very good at making up tunes for, and about, the people who attended. Not one to take it easy, on top of his regular jobs, he always had side ventures to keep him going on his off-times, and often had his hands in many pies. He was good at buying and selling whatever he could get his hands on. Donald always had a heart of gold and would never see anyone go without. He helped so many over the years in any way he could. He was full of kindness and goodwill often wondering if he did enough or could have done better. He certainly had a special charisma, drawing many admirers over the years. He was married Aug. 8, 2002, in Charlottetown, P.E.I., and enjoyed 22 years with his wife, Laura, whom he met while residing in Oshawa, Ontario. They stayed on ‘the island’ for eight years before returning to Kincardine, Ontario. However, during their early years together, polio once again reared its ugly head, and Donald developed Post-Polio Syndrome which caused him great fatigue and pain. As in his youth, he was not one to give up or give in easily. Even when confined to his wheelchair, he would be out and about in all weather; however, in his last year, it proved more and more difficult. Donald would be happy to have a celebration of a life well-lived, to remember that a lifetime of pain is no longer a daily constant for him. Another angel is on his way… this one earned his wings on earth. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Laura MacIntyre (née Massey). Cherished by his siblings, Linda Ann MacIntyre (Michael Bailey), Mary MacIntyre, Joe (Mary) MacIntyre, Mercedes Craig, Frank (Leona) MacIntyre, and Roly (Phyllis) MacIntyre; as well as many nieces and nephews. Also missed by his in-laws, Linda (Paul) Cunliffe, Joan Massey, Steve (Alex) Massey; and his nephews, Matt (Roberta), Eric (Renee) and Dan (Tori). Lovingly remembered by his special girls, Shannon, Tabitha, Tyesha, and Brianna Riddell - forever in his heart. Predeceased by his parents, George and Jessie ( née Browne) MacIntyre; his brother, Ken (Marlene) MacIntyre; and special aunt, Mabel Browne. |
