John Hay MacDonald ~ of Listowel, passed away Saturday, February 14th, 2015 peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He was 83.

Beloved husband of Colleen (Forrest) for 60 years.

Much loved father of Tim and Alexandra of Stratford, Joan and Paul Waechter of Shelburne, and John and Norma MacDonald of Listowel.

Wonderful Papa to Johnathon MacDonald of Collingwood and Gregory MacDonald of Toronto.

John was born in Listowel to Archie and Helen (Hay) in 1931. He spent his childhood in Toronto and Port Elgin, returning to Listowel with his mother when he was 13, following his father’s death. He married Colleen in 1954, and worked as a Territory Manager for the Champion Spark Plug Company.

John and Colleen returned to Listowel in 1958, where John joined his father-in-law, Earl H Forrest, in Ideal Supply. He purchased the company in 1968. Under his ownership and leadership the company grew to become one of the largest distributors of electrical supplies and auto parts in the country. He was very proud that the company continues to be a family owned business under the combined leadership of Tim, John and Joan.

John was a proud Canadian and believed acting locally to build strong communities went a long way to building a stronger nation. To that end he served as the president of his local Kinsmen Club, Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce.

He was recognized as Listowel’s Citizen of the Year in 1994, the Automotive Industry Association’s “Distinguished Service Award” winner in 1995, and the Electro-Federation Canada’s “Industry Recognition Award” winner in 2005.

John loved his family, his business and his community and devoted his life to the healthy success of all three.

Visitation will be held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel, on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held from Trinity United Church, Listowel, on Friday, February 20th at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Ralph Dwarika officiating.

The Celebration of John's life will continue at the Listowel Golf Course, immediately following the funeral service.

Spring interment in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.

Memorial donations to the John and Colleen MacDonald Family Fund (cheques made payable to S.P.C.F. (Stratford Perth Community Foundation)) may be made through the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel.

About the John and Colleen MacDonald Family Fund:

“You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.” – Winston Churchill

John and Colleen MacDonald have been proud to call Listowel home for over 60 years. They’ve raised their children there, grew their business there and were actively involved in many community organizations. It was their belief that giving back was at the core of building a strong community. To build a strong community, the MacDonald’s believed smaller communities could only progress if people got involved and worked toward common goals.

The John and Colleen MacDonald Family Fund was created by their children - Tim, John and Joan – to honour their parents and their love of their community. The fund, in perpetuity, provides grants in two areas: to community organizations that support families in need and to support the development of leadership skills of staff and volunteers for organizations in Perth County.

Gifts in memory of John MacDonald can be made to the John and Colleen MacDonald Family Fund held within the Stratford Perth Community Foundation (SPCF). A charitable tax receipt will be issued for all gifts received.