Obituary for Donald George MacIntyre
Born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, in 1950 to 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.
Donald 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; from a meat processing/packing plant (Essex Packers), 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, also installing windows and siding.
He made many friends along the way, a lot of them passing before him. He was well loved and enjoyed 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.
He 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 on August 8, 2002 in Charlottetown, PEI 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 causing Donald to develop Post Polio Syndrome which caused him great fatigue and pain. As in his youth Donald 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.
Donald 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, Roly (Phyllis) MacIntyre and many nieces and nephews.
Also missed by his in-laws Linda (Paul) Cunliffe, Joan Massey, Steve (Alex) Massey and nephews Matt (Roberta), Eric (Renee) and Dan (Tori).
Lovingly remembered by his special girls, Shannon, Tabitha, Tyesha, Brianna Riddell, forever in his heart.
Predeceased by his brother Ken (Marlene) MacIntyre, parents, George and Jessie (née Browne) MacIntyre and special Aunt Mabel Browne.
Donald 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; from a meat processing/packing plant (Essex Packers), 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, also installing windows and siding.
He made many friends along the way, a lot of them passing before him. He was well loved and enjoyed 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.
He 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 on August 8, 2002 in Charlottetown, PEI 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 causing Donald to develop Post Polio Syndrome which caused him great fatigue and pain. As in his youth Donald 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.
Donald 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, Roly (Phyllis) MacIntyre and many nieces and nephews.
Also missed by his in-laws Linda (Paul) Cunliffe, Joan Massey, Steve (Alex) Massey and nephews Matt (Roberta), Eric (Renee) and Dan (Tori).
Lovingly remembered by his special girls, Shannon, Tabitha, Tyesha, Brianna Riddell, forever in his heart.
Predeceased by his brother Ken (Marlene) MacIntyre, parents, George and Jessie (née Browne) MacIntyre and special Aunt Mabel Browne.