Obituary – Walter McDonald, 90

September 12th, 1920 – January 2011

Walter Abe McDonald, “Aubay”, was born to Charlie and Nellie McDonald. When the Indian agents came through in the late 1940’s, they guessed Walter’s birth date to be September 12th, 1920, but Howard Lynch, Walter’s brother-in-law (who was born in 1915), said that when he got here in the 1940/1950’s, Walter was definitely older than him. Many speculate his age, but his true birth year will never be known. Walter grew up in the Toad River/Moose Lake area and worked closely with his father. Their main source of income for many years was guiding. The family guided hunters, geographical surveyors, provincial police, fur traders, etc. Walter also worked for Norman Mantie at the village for many years. Walter loved the outdoors, a hot fire and strong coffee. His nephews and nieces always looked forward to his golden brown hotcakes, and right up until his last years, he had a very healthy appetite, eating at least four eggs for breakfast every morning to go with his bacon and toast. Walter was very independent and active, and did the majority of the cooking for the family. Walter was an avid hunter, trapper, fisherman, and all around “bush” man. Being proud of his heritage, he excelled in the outdoors and had a great respect for the land, never wasting an animal or resources. He was the main hunter for the family. It would be amazing to know the actual number of moose Walter has actually shot. Whenever Walter finished his hunt and told people the story, he always ended it with “One shot!” Walter never cared for material possessions, yet he easily adapted from dog sleds and snowshoes to ATV’s, ski-doos, kickers and generators. He was adventurous and strong-willed, never giving a second thought to what needed to be done, just doing it. Walter always had a love for children and was always a favourite uncle of his nieces and nephews. He often stirred laughter in the children doing his imitations and using his hands to imitate a bull and tickle their tummies. He was always confident when it came to children, not blinking an eye when it came to holding his great great nephew who was just six weeks old this past September. Walter and his family moved camp frequently, favouring Moose Lake, Mile Nine, and 442 as camps they often stayed. Ron Mearrow, a dear family friend, lived with the McDonalds for many years. Ron helped three siblings (Walter, Maggie and Rose) move from their winter camp (442) to their summer camp (Mile Nine) and drove them to town when needed since he was the only one with a licence. Ron was the main cook and comedian. Ron was a great and dear friend to Walter, right up until his passing in 2005. Walter bought a new stove in 2006/2007 and Wanda, Jay Dee, Brian, and Johnny helped him put it in his house. As the job finished up, he told a story of how he and his family bought a new stove from the Old Fort. This happened before the highway went through and Walter said he and the family pulled the stove home in a toboggan from the Old Fort to Toad River. It is amazing how times have changed. Walter has been featured in movies, documentaries, books and magazines. He has touched many in his life and people marvel at the great example he has lead for the younger generations. Walter is leaving a great legacy; a great person to know who touched the lives of many. The privileged few who have known Walter are definitely richer for having known him. He excelled at everything he tried and taught his friends and family valuable lessons that are not learned from “formal schooling.” Aubay is now reunited with his family after living a full and happy life. Until we meet again……Beadabon, Beadabon.

Follow

Comments

comments