McDONALD, Ronald “Tiny” (Retired Lt. Col.)

Died suddenly at home in his 71st year. Beloved husband of Sharon. Loving father to Al (Wendy), David (Monica), Lisa (Butch), Gord Carr, all of North Bay, Nancii of B.C. and Natalie (Patrick) Bougie of Ottawa. Proud grandfather to Bailey, Charley and Joey Puddister. Great Grandfather to Kaedyn and Briir (Marc and Khouri Long) and son- in-law to Marg. Brother to Faye, Joyce (Fred Farmer), George (Katherine), Cam (Lynne) all of Ottawa, and Rob of Moncton. Proud master of “Princess Maggie” of Madasgascar. Predeceased by his parents Florence and Wilbur.



Born in Ottawa August 30, 1937, joined the RCAF at 17 years of age. Received his wings in 1955 in Winnipeg and transferred to 445 All Weather Fighter Squadron in Marville France. Ron was stationed from Comox B.C to Goose Bay Labrador, including a posting to Bagotville Quebec with 425 Alouette Squadron flying CF101 Voodoos. He was transferred to Colorado Springs from North Bay in 1979. Retiring from the military in 1981, he returned to North Bay where he took a command role in the Air Reserves. Ron started his own flight school, “Academy of Flight” in 1982 and later bought Algonquin Flight Centre. Flying was his first love and as Chief Flying Instructor he took great joy in training flight instructors and anyone interested in aviation until his passing. He was always proud of his many Canadian and International students that went on to become pilots with major airlines around the world. He created a legacy to aviation by perfecting his many air training manuals used by students worldwide, always envisioning a world of opportunity. In his younger days, he played quarterback for the Ottawa Gee Gee's and enjoyed playing hockey in the off season. His many opponents described him as the “CFB version of Gordie Howe”. His many hobbies included painting and drawing caricatures. He enjoyed playing his piano surrounded by family, friends and colleagues leading sing songs. Ron was an avid, veracious reader. Reading to him was the window to the world filled with knowledge and wonder.



He leaves behind his best friend and wife, Sharon, of 19 years. He was an extremely proud father of his children and their accomplishments, a doting loving grandfather who enjoyed showing attention to his grandchildren. Family dinners were always “loud” and thought provoking, as he insisted everyone participate in the debate of world issues. He is sadly missed by his family and all who knew him. Knowing Ron, was to love Ron. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Air Cadet League of Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Literacy Council of North Bay.



Family and friends are invited for a visitation at HILLSIDE FUNERAL SERVICES 362 Airport Rd, Tuesday 2-4pm and 7-9pm. The celebration of his life will be held at Omond Memorial Church, 319 MacKenzie St, on Wednesday 11am.