John McDonald Passes

Trot Insider has learned that longtime horseman John McDonald, who was one of the first drivers to win a race at the track in Goulds, Newfoundland, has passed away at the age of 75.

McDonald passed away peacefully at PCU on Sunday, May 8.

John was predeceased by his parents Patrick and Lillian (Thompson) McDonald; step-mother Madeline McDonald; brothers Patrick (Gug), Harold (Howie) (Madeline), James (Jimmy), Joseph, Michael, Paul and Bill; sister Stella (Biddy) Fleming; brothers in law Gerald Fleming, Tom Rice and Eddie Woodfine. He is survived by his sisters Mary Rice, Margaret (Marge) Forward (Bob), Anne Woodfine, Patsy (Dolly) Quigley (Joey); brothers Gus Kevin (Carolyn), Donald (Ninny) (Wanda – Special Care giver); sisters in law Madge McDonald, Ruth McDonald, and Carol McDonald; special friend Dougie Raymond; also a large circle of other nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, family and friends. The family would like to send a special thank you to the team at the PCU for their care and compassion. A very special thank you to Father Mick Fleming for returning home to attend John’s service.

As a young man, McDonald spent many hard summer days shaping the grounds at what is now referred to as the Goulds racetrack. Along with a lot of his family, he spent days picking rocks from the manmade track with hopes of someday getting the opportunity to race. On opening day in 1961, MacDonald won the second race, and it didn't take him long to find the winner’s circle.

It had been many years since McDonald had been an owner/trainer/driver, but he was still usually found along the rail supporting his brother and nephews.

Resting at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Monday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 10 from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Funeral service to be held from St. Teresa’s Church on Wednesday May 11 at 1 p.m. with interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in John’s memory may be made to the Autism Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of John McDonald.