Sept. 17, 1939 – March 27, 2023
Mac was a devoted husband to Gail Mackintosh (Levasseur). Proud father to Nadine, Michelle (Pete), Andy. Proud grandfather to Shanna (Adam), Nicolas, Miranda, Meghan, Kevin. Great grandfather to Cohen, Cole, Parker. Mac is predeceased by his parents Ernest and Ivy Mackintosh, his son Eric (2013), his sister Ivy Ann Mackintosh, Ann-Marie Levasseur and Lyle Levasseur. Mac is survived by brother-in-law to Barrie (Janice) Levasseur and Linda (Ron) Crone.
Mac’s first love was farming and the land. Growing up in Aylsham, Saskatchewan, he helped with the family farm in crops while finishing high school. He spoke fondly of his time on the tractor, hunting and swimming at Carrot River and playing hockey and curling. He was very close to his mother, father and sister and was involved in some capacity up until his parents passed.
Mac pursued his schooling career obtaining a Bachelor Degree in Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan, his Master of Science at the University of British Columbia and his PhD at the University of Adelaide, Australia. Mac began his career as a professor of soil science at the University of Guelph and was followed by many of his students seeking his guidance and mentorship.
Mac ventured off to start his own business with partners in ecological and environmental services. Ecological Services Group Ltd. was built from the ground up and in Mac’s fashion he was determined to make it a success with hard work and integrity. He led and mentored many in all aspects of the business encouraging all to do their very best and insisted on high expectations of his peers. Though frustrating at times many would agree he wanted others to perfect their work as much as he did himself. He will be remembered for his famous red pen edits and leading meetings with his eyes closed.
Mac is described as a ‘Pillar, super-human and larger than life’ man who had many interests beyond his family and career. He spoke fondly of his many friends and cherished his time with them in many activities including hockey #25, skiing, biking and so many other sports and travel. He wondered how different his life would be if he had pursued sports as a career, but in knowing Mac he would have excelled just as much in sports as his did business. To the testament of challenging himself, at age 55 he took up high altitude climbing in many countries including Africa and Ecuador. His travels spanned nearly all continents for pleasure and work. His most memorable travels were Africa, South America, Australia and northern Canada.
Returning to his greatest love, he took great pride in his own land in the Beaver Valley, Ontario, enjoying the family cottage, working in the bush, building his own log cabin “Mac’s Sugar Shack” and spent many hours on the tractor creating rails throughout the property to which he was awarded the Niagara Escarpment Conservation and Preservation Award. He especially enjoyed his time at the cottage with Gail, his kids and grandkids as well as many events with friends.
Mac’s kind heartedness and generosity were felt by many through the years. Offering words of encouragement to many but also donating to many charities, institutions, sponsoring families and supporting his hometown of Aylsham. Unknown to some, when Mac sold ESG Ltd, he took 20% less of the offer to guarantee his employees could stay employed for 2 more years, again demonstrating his care for those who meant so much to him. All were very dear to his heart and in particular his donations to Multiple Sclerosis, Cystic Fibrosis, Parkinson’s and the Sister Christine’s Drop In Centre, Guelph.
Mac loved his family very much and took his job seriously to take care of everyone. He enjoyed much time with wife, children and especially all of his grandchildren. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
There will be no service. We would like to thank all for their support and we are grateful to Home and Community Care Support Services Guelph in particular Laura McCraken, Abby and Paisley for their kindness to Mac through his last year and to all the staff at The Wellington Terrace, Fergus. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Parkinson’s Foundation Canada, The Drop In Centre or the Guelph Food Bank.
Arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home.