Ronald Hugh McDonald
Captain · “Bud”
June 16, 1929 – July 22, 2004
McDONALD Captain Ronald (Bud) Hugh passed away in the early morning of July 22, 2004 surrounded by his children, Susan, Wendy and Mickey. Bud was born on June 16, 1929, the youngest of eight children. He left school and home in Lynn Valley at the age of thirteen, and began a life on the sea. Bud started as a cabin boy, and then worked his way up the ranks of a mariner, eventually becoming a Master of various Tugboats working the B.C. coast. During the last twenty years of his career at sea he served as a B.C. Marine Pilot. Bud lived a full life, his first love was the sea, but he enjoyed hunting and fishing, he had a passion for sports, he was a devoted crib player, he loved a good story or joke, he had an insatiable desire for his cigarettes and often nursed a stiff drink, he was a member of Masonic Lodge, the Royal Canadian Legion, and the Kiwanis Club of Lake Cowichan, he was ever so generous when family and friends were in need. Bud was an honourable man. Bud is predeceased by his wife Shirley of 36 years (1987); his grandchildren, John Allen (1978-83) and Jesse McDonald (1987-92); his partner of later years, Lucy Eckert (2001) and six of his siblings, with his dear brother, Les McDonald passing before him just this spring. Bud is survived by his three children, Susan McDonald (Rob), Wendy Allen (Jack) and Mickey McDonald; his grandchildren, Kate Boisvert, Wes Ballard (Jade), Leah and Tyler Allen, Theresa McDonald and Braden, Peter and Lizzie Hutchins; his great-grandchildren, Seth Boisvert and Olivia Ballard; his brother Ross McDonald (Isabel); many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog, Salty. The family would like to express their thanks to the extraordinary caring nursing staff of the Cowichan District Hospital, to Judy Kent for all her help in caring for Bud during the last two years of his life, to the extended Eckert family (and Brenda) for filling much of his retirement years with laughter and love. At Bud’s request there will be no funeral service. In September, family and friends will be traveling by boat to Mariners’ Rest to spread his ashes among his Seadog friends. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request donations to the B.C. Cancer Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to TELFORD’S MID-ISLAND MEMORIAL SERVICES