Obituary of John Costello McDonald

John Costello McDonald

It is with profound sadness we announce the sudden, unexpected passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather. John was a loyal and supportive husband to Dianne Marie, loving father to Lisa, Craig, Evan (Elyse), Lauren (Mathieu), Lori (Ryan), Jessica (Marshall), Jesse (Jenn), and a treasured grandfather to Quinn, Olivia and Aidan. Uncle Ian will be remembered by a niece, two nephews and their families in Scotland. John was a cherished brother-in-law to extended family. John is predeceased by his father, mother and brother. He will be fondly remembered by many who knew him during his four decade career as an instructor in the industrial electrician and apprenticeship programs at Mohawk College’s Stoney Creek Campus. John was instrumental in building the labs and developed the programs that are being used today. He retired in 2010 but returned in 2016 part-time continuing to inspire the next generation of the trade, up until the end. John coached the Mohawk College Soccer team and led them to victory with the OCAA championship in the 1989-1990 seasons. John’s passion was soccer and he wasted no time in joining the Dundas Soccer Club upon his arrival from Scotland in 1969. His fond memory was his involvement in the construction of the Olympic Soccer field. He developed and maintained many friendships through the years as both a player and a coach for the team. He will be especially remembered by all the former youth soccer players that he mentored as coach of the Burford Mustangs. He himself played the game into his sixties until knee surgeries retired him. John’s legacy is that he will forever be remembered as a gentleman for his modest caring ways and treating people with kindness and respect. He was always there ready to help with his skills, advice, service and his pocketbook for friends and neighbours alike. He had a lasting and inspiring effect on anyone who had the pleasure of being around him.“They don’t make them like him anymore”.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 36, 280 King Street West, Dundas on Saturday, October 16, 2021 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  Family and friends will also be received at the McCleister Funeral Home, 495 Park Road North, Brantford on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. A Private Memorial Service will be held at the McCleister Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, October 24, 2021.  Covid 19 restrictions requires those attending to wear masks and to practise social distancing. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Brantford General Hospital, Emergency Unit or the Hamilton General Hospital Cardiac Care and ICU Units.  Memories and condolences may be received at www.mccleisterfuneralhome.ca  McCleister (519) 758-1553.