Former driver Don MacDonald, Jr., who was one of Canada's first and longest-surviving heart transplant recipients, passed away recently at the age of 50 at University Hospital

in London, Ont., from heart-related complications.

As Dave Briggs writes in today's Guelph Mercury, MacDonald was a 25-year-old driver at Leamington Raceway when he received the transplant after collapsing in his shower and subsequent tests revealed cardiomyopathy.

After moving away from the London area and the world of harness racing, MacDonald settled in Eganville, near Ottawa, and purchased part of Eganville's Whitetail Golf Club. Plans are reportedly in the works to publish a book about the man who lived for 25 years with the heart of a 13-year-old victim of a Kentucky hunting accident.

The Ottawa Sun states that the book, a joint venture between MacDonald and General Store Publishing House, will be called 'The Beat Goes On' and its publisher Tim Gordon said "it's basically complete, and family members will decide if and when to release it."

In the introduction to the book, MacDonald wrote his reason for working on the book: "Whispering inside me is the notion that my story may have some value for someone somewhere."

"Don's story gives us an insight into the difficulties and joys that this therapeutic intervention brings," wrote Dr. William Kostuk, "with all of the ups and downs and, more important, of how he was able to overcome the obstacles presented to him."

MacDonald is survived by his wife, Janet, and sons Brent and Cody.

Please join SC in offering condolences to the family and friends of Don MacDonald, Jr.