Gordon McDonald

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Gordon McDonald

D. J. Gordon McDonald was born on September 20, 1933, at the Grey Nuns Hospital in Regina, Saskatchewan, to Edith Gertrude McDonald and Donald Gordon McDonald.

Gordon passed away peacefully at the hospital in Souris, Manitoba, on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at the age of 92 years.

At six months of age, Gordon moved with his family to Moosomin, Saskatchewan, where his father worked as a transport operator. In March of 1935, the family relocated to Roseland to assist on the family farm with Gordon’s uncle, Jim Clark, who had recently been widowed.

The McDonalds began shipping milk in 1937, operating a dairy with a herd of Holstein cows that were tied in the barn for milking. It was not long before Gordon was outside helping, beginning a lifelong dedication to farming. In 1942, tragedy struck and the dairy barn was lost to a fire started by a lightning strike. Over the years, he witnessed and adapted to many changes and improvements in the dairy industry, continuing to operate the dairy until selling the quota in 2010.

Gordon attended school in Roseland until Grade 10, at which time he felt his time was better spent on the farm helping his father. Farming was not just work for Gordon, but a way of life. He was a kind man who truly enjoyed the animals, his favorites being the all the dogs he had enjoyed all his life. He was often heard saying “You have to have a dog, they are the best of friends”.

Despite his strong work ethic, Gordon was not all work and no play. He played first base with the Roseland baseball team and was an avid curler for 51 years, remaining involved until he was no longer able to participate. Gordon fondly recalled many bonspiels, progressing through the ranks from lead to skip, though his favourite position was always third.

During the years Gordon operated the dairy, in 1992, the Lowry family purchased 10 acres from Gordon and built a house so they could farm together and becoming an important part of his life. Dale and Amanda helped with all aspects of the farm. Gordon greatly enjoyed watching the children grow up and took pride in following their lives. Watching Andrew, who he called Mr. Hockey and Mike play hockey and the girls with their horses.

The oldest were the stepsons of Dale and Amanda:

Andrew Clark (Brittany), proud father of Charlee and Zuri; and

Mike Clark (Leah), father of Jessie, Mya, Timothy, Karen, Rueben)

They were followed by Jenna (Riley), parents of Mitchel, Marty, and Tessa

Kayla (Ryan), parents of Laine and Karson;

Ashlee (Braden) parents of Jacey and Camryn

and finally Tyler (Amy).

As the children grew and moved on, Julie Ross came to live with Dale and quickly became Gordon’s caregiver and companion. Julie supported Gordon in many ways — running errands, doing groceries, preparing meals, shovelling snow, and providing care as needed. When living in the two-storey farmhouse became too difficult, she helped Gordon choose his suite at Victoria Park Lodge in Souris, Manitoba, ensuring his comfort and continued independence. Cassi Plastow (Jon and William) now reside in Gordon’s family home.

Gordon was predeceased by his parents, Edith Gertrude and Donald Gordon McDonald, as well as numerous cousins and friends. He will be lovingly remembered by Dale Lowry and Julie Ross.

He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, love of farming, quiet humour, and deep appreciation for family and community. Gordon enjoyed taking Sunday drives and has shared many fond memories of places he went and people he visited. At the ripe old age of 83, Gordon took his first commercial flight where he visited cousins in the west.

On behalf of Gordon, we wish to thank all of those who supported him in maintaining his independence until he couldn’t. The homecare staff from Prairie Mountain Health who cared for him daily, the staff at Victoria Park Lodge in Souris where Gordon resided his final years and finally, Dr Sopel and the wonderful staff of Souris Hospital for their excellent care and compassion during his final days.

A Celebration of Gordon’s life will be held at Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with a time of visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Souris Health Centre or Funds for Furry friends.

Condolences: www.brockiedonovan.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 03, 2026