June 8, 1942 – July 5, 2026
Quinn MacDonald was born June 8, 1942 in Cornwall, Ont., to Finnan and Peggy MacDonald, along side his twin sister, Gwen. They joined older brothers Don and Chris, with younger brother Angus coming along nine years later.
As Preemies, Quinn and Gwen spent their first days being “raised” on the oven door to keep them warm. Maybe as a reflection of this start, Quinn’s motto always was, “just happy to be here,” and it was how he lived. He believed, without a doubt, that he had a guardian angel looking over his shoulder, he trusted everything would work out.
In 1959, at just 17, Quinn traded Ontario for Alberta, hitchhiking out west to join Don. He worked first in ranching in British Columbia, then in the Alberta oilfields. He met Leona in High River, and they married and had two sons, Byron and Ryan. The family eventually settled in High Prairie, once again alongside Don, on a quarter section of land.
Quinn spent many years as a respected foreman with Bissell Brothers Lumber and later with Big Lakes County. While he built a life out of an honest day’s labour, his true passions were his horses, his friends, and his loved ones. When he wasn’t working with a colt or training the occasional dog, he could often be found doing the rounds for visits and coffee.
He was predeceased by: his mother and father, Finnan and Peggy; his brother, Chris; his sister, Gwen; and his ex-wife, Leona.
He is survived by: his sons, Byron (Ayla) and Ryan MacDonald; his brother, Don, and wife, Sharon (Colin, Stacy, Lee-Ann); his brother Angus, wife, Dawn (Tammy); and the many friends who were always glad to see him coming.
In keeping his wishes, Quinn’s ashes will be spread on his land, one of his favourite places on Earth. Instead of a service, please raise a cup of coffee in his memory and take a moment to visit with someone you love.