​John MacDonald of Tiverton remembered for his love of family, nature and a good joke or pun

John A. MacDonald, beloved husband of Linda M. MacDonald, of Tiverton, died at Bright Shores Hospital in Owen Sound, Tuesday, March 31, 2026 in his 64th year.

If we are to be considered a product of our environment, John surely embodies the gravel roads, winding rivers and infinite horizons of his Great Lakes region. Born in Kincardine, he spent most of his life in Bruce County, where he and Linda raised their family.

John was always a bit of a jokester. He prepared dad jokes and corny puns to share with his friends and co-workers, and appreciated the same in return.

In his youth, he and his life-long friend, Rob, enjoyed pushing over dead trees during woodland adventures, and shared many mischievous tales. John was a loyal friend, and enjoyed many enduring friendships.

He adored his role as father and “grampy,” and enjoyed sharing his passion for the natural world and adventurous cooking, with his family. He always had time to elicit a grin from his cherished granddaughter Scarlett.

From record albums to hand tools, John was always collecting. He had ideas for everything, and those close to him were aware of his love to tinker and invent. He was respected for his hard work in various construction trades and a tour of the area reveals much of his work, cemented into local history.

He loved the open air. John enjoyed cycling of many kinds, from bicycles to a modest motorcycle. Mini-bike excursions with Kurtis or Rob were fond memories. He had a particular passion for birds, and travelled to visit many bird-filled spaces. His love of birds extended to home, where he raised chickens, a turkey, ducks, geese, and other showbirds.

Bonfires were popular with John, listening to music from the 1970s to the '90s. He had much to discuss; he was a gentle man, but he also stood behind his beliefs, and could occasionally be known to dig in his heels.

His appreciation of the natural world had no bounds. Memories of him are synonymous with long hikes, cross-country skiing, discovering magic woodland spaces and “fishing holes”(even though he didn’t often fish). He foraged for mushrooms and other wild edibles, and swam in the rivers and large waters of his home. He defended land and water conservation and expressed a deep reverence for wild spaces.

John’s gentle disposition, sense of humour and affection for nature will be deeply missed by those close to him.

Survived by his wife, Linda;, children, Karly (Grant) MacDonald, Katelyn MacDonald and Kurtis MacDonald; granddaughter, Scarlett MacDonald; sister, Trish (Grant) Morgan; and uncle, Garry Lawton; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Predeceased by his mother, Irene Lawton (MacDonald); father, Jack MacDonald; and brothers, Walter and Guy MacDonald.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 2-4 p.m., at the Tiverton Lions Club Hall, to share stories and dad jokes, and to remember his perseverance, curiosity and big heart.

John’s family expresses gratitude to the staff at the South Bruce Grey Health Centre in Kincardine and Walkerton, and Bright Shores Health System Owen Sound Hospital.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation, or the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, would be appreciated; arrangements entrusted to the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home, Kincardine.

Donations and condolences may be made on-line at www.daveylinklaterfuneralhome.com.