Daniel John McDonald

It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of Daniel John McDonald of Grande Cache, Alberta. He passed away at the age of 46 year after a long and devasting illness. Dan was born July 11th, 1977, in Edmonton, AB to Dale and Glenda McDonald and grew up in Stony Plain, AB.

Dan was predeceased by his mother Glenda. He is survived by his wife Stacey McDonald, his sons Calen and Brody McDonald, his father Dale McDonald, father in-law James Miller and mother in-law Ruth Miller and sisters Bobbie (Nasbeth) and Dale-Ann McDonald. His beloved nieces Kirsten, Kaitee, Khloe and Baylee and great nephews Noah, Luca, Watson and many cousins and friends who are family.

In 1995, Dan followed his soon to be wife Stacey Miller to Grande Cache, AB and fell in love with the town. They married the following year on May 25th, 1996. Dan worked a few different jobs during the 27 years he lived in Grande Cache. He drove truck, ran a welding rig and eventually ended up working at Milner Power where he stayed for over 16 years. Dan loved working at Milner and many of his colleagues became family to him. He started as a journeyman welder and obtained his Journeyman Millwright ticket. He became interested in inspection and worked diligently to become a certified boiler inspector and eventually obtained his National Board Certification. Dan was passionate about Health and Safety and was always involved in committees and worked to obtain his NSCO certificate. He was always researching, studying, and learning new things.  

Anyone who was fortunate enough to know Dan or to call him a friend will tell you that he was fun loving and loved to laugh. Very witty and loved to banter back and forth. Dan was also a trusted friend you could rely on to be there when you were in a bend and needed help. No matter what, when or where, he would show up, usually the first one there and the last one to leave.

Dan had a passion for many different things particularly engines and speed. He loved snowmobiling, quadding and trucks. He was forever wrenching and working on something mechanical in the garage. Some of his happiest times were spent wrenching on his truck, dyno days with CW or at the cabin with Gord and the boys. He also loved arm wrestling and actively competed for years until his illness prevented him from doing so, at which time he became their loudest supporter. Dan was a proud member of both the Parkland Pullers (Stony Plain club) and the Grande Cache Crushers arm wrestling clubs.

Dan had always wanted to be a dad and when his sons were born, he was over the moon. He couldn’t get enough of them. He was very active with school and sports always volunteering whenever and however he could. He loved camping, fishing, and travelling and was always planning the next adventure.

Dan you are deeply missed!

A celebration of Life will be held on Saturday September 23rd at 2pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 278, 2400 Pine Plaza Road in Grande Cache, AB.

In lieu of tributes, donations if desired may be directed to the Grande Cache Hospital Foundation. Box 629 Grande Cache, Alberta, T0E 0Y0, Tel: 780-827-3701.

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