Billie Edward McDonald
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Billie Edward McDonald, 73, on Friday, June 18th at St. Joseph’s Continuing Care.
He leaves behind his sister Judy Buck and her husband Bill, his brother Michael Frazer and his wife Joyce, many nieces, nephews and in-laws.
He was preceded in death by his mom and dad, James and Alice Frazer, five siblings, Vivien Frazer, Jim Frazer, Doreen Grey, Ron Cardinal and Dave Wickmann.
Billie was born on March 2, 1948 in Ft. McMurray and was fostered by two loving people, James and Alice Frazer. He had a terminal illness but was nurtured back to health and was raised as a healthy, caring, productive and skilled man who had a wicked sense of humour. He managed to maintain full employment until he retired at 65. He worked in fabricating, steelwork, mechanics, cabinet making and maintenance.
Billie loved music, playing pool (his nickname was Ace), motorcycles, making model cars and flannel shirts. He was a proud owner of a Rocket BSA 750, a VW bug and a bicycle named “Old Paint”.
Billie’s health declined upon retiring and he was diagnosed with early onset of dementia. He ended up in continuing care where the staff took great care of him right to the end. They all enjoyed his humour and said he made their jobs easy. We were very lucky to have him in our lives and will miss him terribly but are grateful he is now resting in peace.
A memorial service will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery on July 10th at 1:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.
I met Billie when I started working at Boyle Street Education Centre. He was an interesting guy with a great sense of humour. He was also very kind and helped me out at the school many times over the years. He always had the coffee ready in the morning and a good story or two to go with it. I was saddened to hear Billie was suffering from dementia. My condolences to Billie’s family and friends as I am sure they miss him so much. I wish the family all the best and trust that Billie is now entertaining those loved ones in heaven as he did here on earth.
I’m sorry to hear about Billie. I worked with him at Boyle Street and he was so good with the kids- often leaving feathers in places for them to find and telling stories about the adventures he had on “Speedy”- his motorized bike (maybe Old Paint’s descendant?) I hope he’s able to rest now, and I’m sending prayers to his family.
My condolences to Judy, Bill and all of Billies family during this very sad time. You have been blessed with many wonderful memories of Billie to share and cherish. Thoughts and prayers are with you all💔❤
I was fortunate enough to have worked with Billie at the Boyle Street Education Centre, an inner city charter school in Edmonton that has helped thousands of youth over the years to get back on to the track of learning. Billie was always quick to offer a fun story to cheer up students, especially when he intuitively knew it was needed. Billie loved his job because he loved the students and school community he was such an integral part of for 14 years. He truly was a man who cared; so much so he could often be found passing students a loonie here and there for a slurpee after school. I will always remember what he taught me about caring for others, and leading by example. The world has lost a good man, but the spirit world has gained immensely. I send my sincerest condolences to Judy, Michael, and the rest of Billie’s family. May our Creator help to lessen the sorrow of your loss. Thank you for sharing Billie with us all!
I are so sorry Judy, for the loss of your brother, I have so many wonderful memories growing up with the both of you. I know it is very hard on all the family to loose a wonderful brother in law, Uncle and great Uncle. He had the best sense of humour and the kindest heart, I love all your family so much