05/09/2026
Perry Charles McDonald of Bothwell passed away peacefully at Chatham-Kent Hospice on May 7, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He will be remembered for his quick wit, unmatched strength, and unwavering loyalty to those he loved.
Beloved husband and best friend of Joan (Dymock), proud father of Brodie (Lori), & Stacey (Jeff). Loving Papa to Tucker & Lane. Predeceased by parents Ross and Myrna (Lather), sister Michelle Winia, and father and mother-in-law John and Muriel Dymock (McGill). Survived by brother Mark, his loving sister-in-laws Marlene Maclean (Wayne), Janet Kinsman (Tom Gibbs), brother-in-law and great friend Jim Dymock. Fondly remembered by several nieces and nephews, and countless close friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.
A Bothwell boy through and through, Perry became a well known face in the community over his 65 years.
Starting in his early years as a spirited competitor and enforcer for the Bothwell Barons and later the Glencoe Centennials. If there was ever a fight to be had, you wanted Perry in your corner. Memories from those days still brought a smile to Perry’s face when stories were being told with his friends and family over a cold b**r.
Perry then served the community for 20 years with the Bothwell Fire Department, rising to the rank of Captain; a role his son Brodie admired and would later follow. Responding to countless local emergencies, he selflessly put others first, earning accolades for his heroism and dedication.
He took great pride in carrying on Ross McDonald Excavating, spending many years behind the controls of an excavator doing work he loved in the community he called home. It brought him great joy working along side his cherished nephew Shawn Falconer for many years in the family business. Being very well known for his skill in running heavy equipment, Perry was the “go to” guy in the community for his work.
As much as he valued his work, Perry’s greatest pride was his family. At the centre of his life was Joan, his love and greatest supporter for more than 40 years. Through every challenge and every joy, they faced it all together. Those greatest joys were his son Brodie, and daughter Stacey. He was so proud of the lives and families that they built for themselves.The family cherishes a joyful day a few short months ago when Stacey married her longtime partner, Jeff. Smiling and singing along to Rush on the dance floor with his daughter on her wedding day, Perry was able to experience a beautiful moment every father dreams of.
If you want to know who Perry’s biggest fans are, you don’t have to look very far. To his two little “Magoos”, Papa wasn’t just a grandpa, he hung the moon. Although Tucker and Lane will grow up hearing stories about the kind of man their Papa was, for a brief time in their life they were able to experience the love he had for them both. Although they are still little, the bond they shared with Papa will stay with them forever.
Perry had a well known love for animals, especially for his pets; his dog Winnie, and furry grandson Hank, as well as the occasional shop cat (who he always gave unique nicknames to). Nicknames were Perry’s specialty. He was always delighted to pen a new name for those in his life, and to most people misfortune, they tended to stick.
Tough and resilient, he showed strength few could match which he proved true in his final years as he battled more than his share of of health challenges. He met every setback with the same stubborn resilience and toughness that defined his life, always joking that he “wasn’t a quitter”.
The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Sikkema and Stacey Kacan of the Thamesview Family Health team, Dr. Sanitini and the London Health Sciences Oncology team, Emergency Room Physician Dr. Colin McCabe, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance ICU and Chemotherapy units, and Chatham-Kent Hospice for their care and compassion.
A Celebration of Perry’s life will be held at the Florence Community Hall on May 30th, 2026 from 1:00-5:00pm. In keeping with Perry’s love of blue jeans and having a good time, the family requests guests dress casually to the celebration. If desired donations in Perry’s memory can be made to Chatham-Kent Hospice, and Chatham-Kent Pet and Wild Life Rescue. Online donations and condolences may be left at www.badderfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to the Badder & Robinson Funeral Home, Bothwell.
