JOHN A. (TONY) MACDONALD

Condolences & Memories (3 entries)

• While attending the University of Manitoba, I applied for an internship through AIESEC (Association International En Science et Economique). In return for finding summer business related jobs in your city, you were matched with a job in Europe. Mine was with Samsonite in Belgium where Tony was the Controller. The person who met me on my first day told me that the Controller was from Winnipeg. I didn’t believe them because people ofen assume that Canada is a small place but it was true. In fact we even identified someone we both knew! Tony and I had the common interest of a love for travelling in addition to the field of business. I lived in a student residence in Ghent and Tony kindly invited me to visit their home where I got to know Vivian and the kids – Susan and Tony. It meant the world to me as I spent weekends on my own. The next year I got another post in Belgium but it fell thorough at the last minute. Tony and Vivian offered to let me use their place as a base. I could then travel on various excursions. Then AIESEC contacted me to say there was another place I could go in Brussels. That is when Tony suggested that I work for them again and the student Samsonite was to get could take the job in Brussels. It was a great solution for all of us and particularly nice for me as I already knew everyone there. Tony and Vivian had a holiday planned (She was expecting David at the time) so for two weeks those lovely children were in my care. I had so much admiration for Tony as a professional but I also felt like I became a friend of the family although we only kept in touch by mail. When the family returned to Winnipeg, I visited them at Dromore. Tony and I talked and talked and even Vivian deserted us. I must have dropped off to sleep because I awoke on the sofa covered by a blanket and Tony was gone. It is a cherished memory of how we could talk and talk. I think I became a member of his community of life long friends. My sincere condolences to Vivian, Tony, Tony Jr., Susan, David and Michael. I will be donating money to something I am sure Tony would have thought was a good idea. - Posted by: Ianthe Warner (I worked at Samsonite for two summers and became a family friend) on: Mar 26, 2025

• Hi Vivian, Just saw Tony’s notice in the FP in October. Meant to send this to you sooner. We’ve lived in Vancouver now for 9 years, but Winnipeg remains my hometown, so I read the obits every day. I well remember Birdie and Jack, the old house on Kingsway, us kids playing in that dark stairway on Christmas. And I remember you too. There was time at Lake of the Woods on one of my dad’s boats. And didn’t I serve as your agent when you bought on Dromore? At some farm when I was perhaps 6 years old, Tony held sway atop what seemed like a huge haystack while Hughie and I and others climbed up to try to dislodge him. He would toss us through the air back down the mountain, screams of joy. These last few years with Tony would have been a challenge. We can outlive our cognition. I trust you are healthy, and the kids are close. All the best. Paul - Posted by: Paul Sweatman (Cousin) on: Feb 02, 2025

• I remember Tony from the Refit Centre and his great sense of humor! - Posted by: Dave Mollins (Refit Friend ) on: Oct 12, 2024