It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of former York Regional Police Detective #178, Wayne McDonald, a beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend, who passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, aged 76.
Wayne took great pride in his work but found equal joy outside of it—whether he was cruising down the open road on his motorcycle or enjoying a sunny day at the golf course. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of local sports as an on/off-ice official with the OHL at Barrie Colts games. His presence brought warmth and camaraderie to those who shared these experiences with him.
He is survived by his cherished daughter Lauren and loving sister Brenda Deguire (Bill). He held a special place in his heart for his nieces Amanda O'Gorman (Lawrence) along with their children Faith and William; and Kim Deguire-Hodgkinson (Kevin); each one bringing immense joy into his life.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date where friends and family can come together to honour him.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider making donations in Wayne's memory to Hospice Simcoe ( https://hospicesimcoe.ca/ ), Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation ( https://themmrf.org/ ) or any local charities that support law enforcement families or youth sports programs.
Though we mourn the loss of Wayne today, we are grateful for every moment spent with such an extraordinary individual whose impact will never fade from our hearts.
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Peaceful Transition Simcoe
Kerri Lecuyer
Posted on: Saturday, January 18, 2025Awwww Lauren I’m so sorry I have known “MAC” for years absolutely loved him.
I recently picked up dad for a “date” for sushi we laughed and ate way too much with a lil wine lol. He was my first ride or die on his beautiful bike. I will miss him for sure even his sarcastic sense of humour xxxooo
Darrin Leitch
Posted on: Sunday, January 19, 2025Wayne was great guy who always had a smile on his face. You couldn’t help but smile and laugh along with Wayne. Loved his stories and jokes. Wayne will be missed by many. RIP Wayne…
Lou Malbeuf
Posted on: Sunday, January 19, 2025My condolences to the family. Wayne was a great guy and always cheerful. We had lots of laughs and Wayne was always there to help out if need be. You will be missed.
Gary Miner
Posted on: Sunday, January 19, 2025Hello Lauren, we have chatted and you got to hear my condolences. I won’t repeat it all here; I did have good history with your dad.
Back in the day we went to OPC and kept intouch over respective career’s and into retirement.
In the beginning we unintentinally took turns taking the heat off the rest of the troops for harmless nonsense that raised the dander of the then powers that be.
Today it is all fond memories and for the most part good stories that can get a little embellished to suit the crowd; and fun in the telling.
Thank you for being there for Wayne. Please keep us posted in the Celebration of life
Sincerely Gary Miner (Ret)
Robert w. Bolam and Peter Edwards
Posted on: Sunday, January 19, 2025Condolences to the family on Wayne’s passing. Wayne was a good guy. We worked with him and he always had a smile. We used to have lunch several times together. Wayne will be missed by so many.
Michael Hoskin
Posted on: Sunday, January 19, 2025Wayne had a great sense of humour and I truly enjoyed working with him. He will be missed.
Fred Kerr
Posted on: Sunday, January 19, 2025Worked with Wayne over the years .He always came in with a smile on his face and was always a pleasure to talk to and very much enjoyed our conversations. Condolences to his family .We will miss you Wayne…
Shirley smith
Posted on: Sunday, January 19, 2025I enjoyed working with you Mac you’ll always be remembered
My condolences to your daughter Lauren and family
You will be missed
Dieter Boeheim
Posted on: Sunday, January 19, 2025My sincere condolences to Wayne’s family & friends.
I met Wayne in 1984 when I joined YRP and enjoyed a friendship with him over the years.
Wayne was a fantastic person with a great personality. I will cherish my memories of Wayne always….. Rest in Peace My Friend…. You left us too soon !
Andy Bakker
Posted on: Sunday, January 19, 2025I worked with Wayne for the York Regional Police. He was a very kind and pleasant man and always had a smile on his face when you met him. Sorry to hear that we lost him . My sincere condolences to his family and friends. We will certainly miss you Wayne. May you rest in peace my friend.
Brian Abraham
Posted on: Sunday, January 19, 2025A tremendous loss for all who knew Wayne. A kind, gentle man with an infectious smile that brought light to every room he entered.
Will miss those Bike rides Partner.
-b.
Will Janes
Posted on: Sunday, January 19, 2025I worked with Wayne for a number of years. He always wore a smile and kept us laughing each shift. Just a great guy! RIP…..
Craig Rogers
Posted on: Sunday, January 19, 2025From the Rogers clan
We wish family, friends and colleagues sincerest condolences in Mac’s passing.
He is remembered as a great copper/guy and was respected by all who were privileged to have known him.
R.I.P. Bucky
Terry Hobor
Posted on: Sunday, January 19, 2025“PC Mac”, as he was known in the hockey world, was one of our North Central OHA referee supervisors for years. He always came to the rink with a smile and offered advice and guidance with his friendly approach.
It was always great to see him at the BMC as we moved on to the OHL.
Rest easy friend.
Stephanie & John Burritt
Posted on: Sunday, January 19, 2025We are so very sorry to hear of Wayne’s passing. Wayne always had a smile and was a great person. We had many good times playing Euchre and comparing motorcycle riding journeys. Our condolences to family at this difficult time. RIP 🙏
Peter Jelley (retired YRP)
Posted on: Sunday, January 19, 2025My most sincere condolences to Wayne’s family. Wayne always greeted me with a smile and a joke to share. We frequently had colourful discussions on officiating that ended up with a few laughs. May the many memories that you have help you through this most difficult time.
Amanda O’Gorman
Posted on: Sunday, January 19, 2025My uncle was a true inspiration to me and everyone he met and knew in his life. He touched a lot of hearts in his lifetime, he will be greatly missed, I am so proud to call him my uncle and I will cherish every memory he has brought to my life and my kids life. I will miss you forever, you are at peace now. Love you ❤️
Marilyn Schneider
Posted on: Monday, January 20, 2025My sincerest condolences to you and your family, Lauren, on the loss of your dear Dad. I’m so very sorry to hear this news. I want to tell you that I have been so very blessed to have had your Dad as a dear friend all these years. His smiling face, infectious smile, and hearty laugh always brought a calmness and a realization to slow down and relax in life. He will always be remembered, in my thoughts, as a wonderful gentleman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. God be with you and your family, as you journey the difficult days ahead.
Samantha Lewis-Torrance
Posted on: Monday, January 20, 2025Wayne was such a lovely man. Always had a smile. He was quite a joker. He was always kind to me. He will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends!
Brian McDonald
Posted on: Monday, January 20, 2025Will miss you Joe
R.I.P
Brian
Paul Heaver
Posted on: Monday, January 20, 2025It was an honour to have known and worked with Wayne. We shared many a laugh, especially on our long drives to play golf in Myrtle Beach. My condolences to family and friends. Rest in peace E. W.
Kory and Susan Keeping
Posted on: Monday, January 20, 2025Deepest condolences to the family of Wayne true gentleman. RIP
Pat Harold
Posted on: Monday, January 20, 2025It was a pleasure to know you Wayne. My condolences to his family and friends.
Martin Lennon
Posted on: Monday, January 20, 2025Wayne and I were part of a group of 14 that joined YRP in 1978 (at the time, the largest group of hiring by YRP). He was amongst the rarest of birds-too nice of a guy to be a cop.
Although I knew he was seriously ill, the news of his passing is dreadful. I will miss crossing paths with my friend. I would like to extend my sympathies to his family and loved ones.
Richard McVeity
Posted on: Friday, January 24, 2025My condolences and sympathy to Wayne’s family.
I had the pleasure of knowing and working with Wayne. He was someone who always had a smile on his face and he was always able to lighten the mood at work with his sense of humor. When I came on YRP, Wayne was an experienced police officer and I was a rookie. He was someone whose approach to policework and judgement was something that a rookie would try to follow. He was a good man and the community was well served by having him as a police officer for Region. He will be missed by all those who knew him.
Laurie Whitman
Posted on: Sunday, January 26, 2025My sincerest condolences to all Waynes family and friends. I’ve known Wayne for many years, at YRP, socially in Barrie and he was my emerg volunteer partner at RVH for a few yrs. RIP my dear Buddy.