In Loving Memory

With deep sorrow and love, we announce the passing of Donna Lou McBride, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Born in Portland, Oregon, USA, on November 6, 1939, Donna took her final journey to be with her ancestors on October 5, 2026, at the age of 86. Her husband, Bob, daughter Caron, and grandson Reid were with her during her final moments. The family was called shortly afterward, and we were able to come together to be with Mom and say our goodbyes.

Donna grew up in Portland, Oregon, where she developed a lifelong love of music, horses, reading, and adventure. As a teenager, she had a beloved horse named Lucky and played the piccolo in her high school band. She also played pitcher on her college baseball team. Her love for God was strong, and she based her life around His teachings.

It was at a church function that Donna met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) McBride. They fell in love and were married, beginning a life together filled with family, adventure, travel, and many changes.

Donna's first great adventure came when she moved from Portland to Bob's family's farm in Benalto, Alberta. Moving to a farm and to a new country was a tremendous change for her, but Donna embraced her new life with courage and grace. Soon, she and Bob welcomed their first daughter, Caron, and three and a half years later, their second daughter, Gwen, was born.

As a family, the McBrides continued to embrace adventure. They moved to Winnipeg, where Bob became involved in a flying school as a flight instructor. Before long, their adventurous spirit took them even farther north, to the small community of Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories. There, Bob operated the ferry across the Mackenzie River, and the family became involved in the aviation business, including a helicopter operation.

As the girls grew older, the family eventually moved to the Grande Prairie area, where the helicopter business continued. Their entrepreneurial spirit led to another new passion—building and selling stock trailers. They also developed a love for American Paint Horses, enjoying the experience of breeding and raising these beautiful animals.

Through all of these changes, Donna adapted to the many different places and lifestyles that became part of her life. She enjoyed the farm, the horses, and the many interests that came with rural life. She was proud of her daughters and supported them as they grew, attended college, married, and began families of their own.

Later, Donna and Bob returned to Portland, Oregon, where they spent time supporting and caring for her parents. In their later years, they returned to Canada to be closer to family and began a new chapter together on a farm in British Columbia.

Donna loved the ocean, and she and Bob enjoyed spending time in Astoria, Oregon, enjoying the coast and the memories they made there.

Donna is lovingly remembered by her husband, Robert (Bob) McBride; her daughter, Gwen Vekved, and son-in-law, Randy Vekved; and her daughter, Caron McBride Argue, and son-in-law, Fletcher Argue.

Her memory lives on through her grandchildren, Jenna Littman (Michael), Laura Ewing (Zachary), Joel Vekved (Courtney), Reid Cunningham, Tyler Cunningham (Kimberly), and Kaylee Cunningham; and her great-grandchildren, Kaydence Littman, Sophie Littman, Noah Ewing, Baker Ewing, Eleanore Pearce, and Riverleigh Cunningham.

Donna leaves behind a family who will remember her in their own special ways—the music she loved, the horses she enjoyed, the books she read, her faith, and the many stories that came from a life filled with change and adventure. These memories will become part of the family stories passed down to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

We are grateful for the years we had with Mom, for the experiences we shared, and for the time we were able to come together to say goodbye. Though she is no longer with us, the life she lived and the family she helped create will continue on.

Mom, may your spirit soar with the eagles. May you find rest and peace in the loving embrace of your ancestors.

Forever loved. Forever remembered.

Fly with Eagles, Mom. ♡