The Electrical Industry Bids Farewall to John MacDonald

On February 14th, 2015 the Canadian electrical community lost a great member with the passing of John MacDonald of Ideal Supply in Listowel.  John was a pioneer in the electrical industry and a big supporter of AD (Affiliated Distributors) and independent distributors.  John was a former member of the AD board and a wonderful person.  

“The memories of John in his Listowel office proudly sitting beside the Canadian flag will always be ingrained into my mind.” Jim Milne, President, AD Canada

Official Obituary: 

John Hay MacDonald 

Born June 1st, 1931 

Died Feb 14th, 2015 

John Hay MacDonald, of Listowel, passed away Saturday, February 14th, 2015 peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He was 83. 

Beloved husband of Colleen (Forrest) for 60 years. Much loved father of Tim and Alexandra of Stratford, Joan and Paul Waechter of Shelburne, and John and Norma MacDonald of Listowel. 

Wonderful Papa to Johnathon MacDonald of Collingwood and Gregory MacDonald of Toronto. 

John was born in Listowel to Archie and Helen (Hay) in 1931. He spent his childhood in Toronto and Port Elgin, returning to Listowel with his mother when he was 13, following his father’s death. He married Colleen in 1954, and worked as a Territory Manager for the Champion Spark Plug Company. 

John and Colleen returned to Listowel in 1958, where John joined his father-in-law, Earl H Forrest, in Ideal Supply. He purchased the company in 1968. Under his ownership and leadership the company grew to become one of the largest distributors of electrical supplies and auto parts in the country. He was very proud that the company continues to be a family owned business under the combined leadership of Tim, John and Joan. 

John was a proud Canadian and believed acting locally to build strong communities went a long way to building a stronger nation. To that end he served as the president of his local Kinsmen Club, Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce. 

He was recognized as Listowel’s Citizen of the Year in 1994, the Automotive Industry Association’s “Distinguished Service Award” winner in 1995, and the Electro-Federation Canada’s “Industry Recognition Award” winner in 2005. 

John loved his family, his business and his community and devoted his life to the healthy success of all three. 

Memorial donations to the John and Colleen MacDonald Family Fund (cheques made payable to S.P.C.F. (Stratford Perth Community Foundation)) may be made through the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel.