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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon (Buzz) Alexander MacDonald on January 14, 2017.

He was born in Nelson, B.C. on July 23, 1926 to William Russell MacDonald and Margaret Johnstone (McCulloch) MacDonald. Buzz was raised at the West Kootenay Power Plant #3 at South Slocan until the age of 12. His father Russell, worked for West Kootenay Power and after his passing Margaret moved the family to Nelson, B.C.

Buzz continued his education in Nelson and met Norma June Simpson when they were teenagers. They were married on May 6, 1950 and went on to have three children. Buzz began his long career with West Kootenay Power in 1949 as a mechanic. He continued to commute between Nelson and South Slocan until 1958 when they decided it was better to move their family to a company house.

It was a very small community but a great place to raise kids. Buzz and Norma kept in touch with all their Nelson friends but developed great friendships with their new friends at South Slocan.

Many of these friendships endured to the very end. In 1978 Mom and Dad built a home in Castlegar, B.C. and Dad commuted to South Slocan until retiring from Fortis in 1987 as Supervisor, Mobile Equipment Maintenance.

Buzz belonged to the Nelson Power Boat Association in the 1950’s where he raced small hydroplane boats. Buzz was a member of the Castlegar Golf Course for 55 years and it was his favourite place to spend time. When his health started to fail in 2016 he had to give up his beloved golf game. He would still drive up to the course on a regular basis to visit old friends and go for long walks. Buzz’s second favourite place to spend time was at the Castlegar A & W with all his coffee buddies.

There had been discussions lately about moving to Castlewood Village in Castlegar but dad said he was quite comfortable staying in his own home. We think it was his plan to die at home and he got his wish.

Buzz was predeceased by his wife Norma, son Russell, and brothers, Dave and Roy. He is survived by his sister Betty (Jess) Ridge and his brother Allan (Mary) MacDonald, both of Nelson, B.C. He is also survived by daughter Lynda (Cyril Esovoloff) MacDonald of Salmo, B.C., and son Gary MacDonald of Edmonton, AB.

He is also survived by grandchildren Kelly (Lee) Seymour and her children Ethan and Lily Seymour of Kelowna, B.C. and grandson Mark Anderson of Edmonton, AB. Buzz is survived by several nieces and nephews who were fond of their Uncle Buzz.

There will be no service at Buzz’s request.

Castlegar Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.

Please visit the website at www.castlegarfuneral.com to express words of condolences.



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