MacDONALD, Blaine
Published:Feb 10, 2012
Event Date:Feb 05, 2012
Blaine MacDONALD
Blaine (Editorial Cartoonist) Blaine MacDonald passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, February 5, 2012. He had a rewarding career as an Editorial Cartoonist at The Hamilton Spectator for over 30 years. He was only known by and used one name "Blaine" for his art and business work. He will be immensely missed by his friend, lover, partner and confidant Ildiko, for more than 30 years. He leaves behind daughter Tana (Scott) and son Kirk (Melissa) and grandchildren Hayden, Jaxson, Maddison and Jayden; as well as his first wife Shirley (Dave) and his sisters Myrna (Elroy) and Linda and brother Darryle (Joan). He is pre-deceased by his father Tommy and mother Verna, his sisters Juanita and Elizabeth. Blaine was born and grew up in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. He came from a humble and very talented family. He was inspired by his sister Myrna's drawing ability at a very young age. He was a dedicated, determined, ambitious, self-taught cartoonist, who also excelled in portrait drawings. Blaine was considered a "Master of Brush and Ink Sketching" from life. "Blaine" was syndicated in North America and popular among Canadian, American and Mexican Cartoonists. He won every major award for his artistic abilities and creations. Some were: In Montreal - First Winner of Salon of Cartoons, Grand Prize and Popular Prize (in the same competition). In New York City, he won the coveted Reuben Award. In Toronto, twice winner of the National Newspaper Award. Freelance Commissions: the New York Times, Playboy Magazine, Time Magazine and Toronto Ad agencies. He was commissioned to draw portraits and cartoons which still adorn the offices of politicians, celebrities, C.E.O.s, doctors, judges, lawyers and athletes. His cartoons and drawings were published in school books, newspaper articles, advertisements and libraries. He achieved international recognition. His drawings are in libraries of President Richard Nixon and President L.B. Johnson and most currently in Scotland to honour Duncan MacPherson. Blaine was all around talented. He had a black belt in karate. He built a recording studio at his home, played guitar, as well as wrote music and sang songs. He was one of the first people to create wedding and music videos. His great singing voice was praised by Anne Murray. Blaine's natural sense of humour brought laughter to everyone. Blaine was one of the first artists to use computers professionally for his work. He had published two books as well. He enjoyed life to the fullest. He was a caring, generous man right to the end of his life. He loved to dance, sing and perform. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Tirone David at the Toronto General Hospital who saved his life twice, and Dr. Maureen Meade at Hamilton General Hospital I.C.U. who also saved his life twice and thanks to Dr. Hugh Sullivan, his cardiologist and Dr. Peter Loveless, his family doctor. Special thanks to the staff at Macassa Lodge and Dr. Shera for their care and compassion. Also thanks to his friends Janet Garbella, June Roberts, Clara and Tibor Solymosi, John and Vangie Barrow, Heinz and Barbie Triepel, Russell and Marilyn Matheson, Jim and Marilyn Larmour and Bob Morreale for their visits, support and encouragement to Blaine. Thanks to Graeme MacKay (present cartoonist for the Hamilton Spectator) for including and honouring Blaine in the last Cartoonist convention. It meant the world to him! Visitation will be held at BAY GARDENS FUNERAL HOME, 1010 Botanical Drive, BURLINGTON (905.527.0405), on Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Bay Gardens Chapel on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 11 a.m. with interment to follow at Woodland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of your choice would be appreciated. Please sign the on-line Book of Condolences at: www.baygardens.ca