Jerry MacDonald passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026 at the QEH. He left this world surrounded by love, laughter and, very likely, in the middle of making a point. 

While devastated by the loss, his family and friends find peace in knowing he faced his final chapter with strength and has now wandered to wherever the fairways are always green, conversations are spirited, and the Raptors never lose to the Celtics. 

Jerry was born in Longueuil, Quebec to Jerome and Mary Lou MacDonald. When he was six years old, he made the journey to Charlottetown with his parents and younger sister Jo-Ann Esseghaier (Zain). Charlottetown quickly became home, and it was here that his younger sister Janet MacDonald (Tom) was born. In the past several months, Jo-Ann and Janet have spent precious time with their brother, sharing stories and remembering good times they had together. He was predeceased by his parents.

Jerry is, and always will be, inseparable from the love of his life of 53 years, Karen. They loved nothing more than the simple joy of sharing life together whether travelling the world or cheering on their family. Memories of a life grounded in loyalty, perseverance, family, and adventure will continue to serve as a role model for his children and grandchildren. 

He was the proud dad of Jason (Mandy), Jeff (Lisa), Jared (Neha), and Kate (Tyler), and the legendary Grampy to Connor (Jonna), Logan (Lyndsay), Taylor (Owen), Mila, Lucy, Josie, Lola, and Jack. He was also thrilled to earn the title of great-grandfather to little Della. Jerry took great pride in the fact that his grandparent journey began with a boy, ended with a boy, and in between was delightfully overrun by strong, spirited girls; exactly the way Grampy liked it. He was also the proud uncle of many nieces and nephews.

Jerry played basketball at UPEI and kept right on playing after university with the Smugglers Jug team. When his playing days finally wound down, his love for the game never did; it stayed with him for life. That love had a way of spreading, quietly (and sometimes not so quietly!), through the whole family. It’s no surprise that every child and grandchild grew up with a basketball close at hand.

Family was Jerry’s favourite audience. He loved nothing more than having everyone together, especially at the family home. It would be a rare weekend when Jerry wasn’t hosting backyard pickleball games, watching grandkids compete, sharing stories, and soaking up the noise of a full house. Being Grampy wasn’t just a title; it was his greatest joy.

Jerry had passions, and he held them firmly. He thoroughly enjoyed any competitive pursuit that allowed for strategy, spirited discussions, and a clear winner, preferably him. He cherished golf days with his beloved Belvedere golf group and pickleball matches in the backyard, especially when the competition was fierce.

He was curious, sharp, and never short on questions or opinions. Jerry had a gift for pushing people to think and to be open to new ideas. He did this through lively debate that somehow made you think a little more by the end. He loved the back-and-forth, embraced a good challenge, and found deep satisfaction in a well-earned win.

Jerry lived loudly, loved deeply, and always showed up fully for his family, his friends, and the things that mattered most to him. In lieu of donations, those who remember Jerry are encouraged to honour him by gathering family, sparking a good debate, gazing up at the sky in wonder, cheering just a little too hard at a game, or sharing a burger and fries with someone you love. Play pickleball. Watch the Raptors. Ask questions. And don’t forget to keep score.

We wanted more time. We always do.

But we are endlessly grateful for the life, the lessons, and the love.

We love you, Dad. You were one of a kind.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Belvedere Funeral Home. Interment will take place in a private ceremony. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at a later date.