Our hearts are broken with the loss of our dear husband and father, Alex MacDonald. However, the outpouring of compassion from family, friends, and our extended family of firefighters has been a great comfort. Alex would be so thankful and proud that you were there to care for us and to honour him. We owe special thanks to our hero, Sector Chief Gerry Pingitore (Ottawa Fire Services), and our dear friend, Doug Peckett. You made a difficult time easier to endure, and for that we are forever grateful.
Linda, Chris, and Sue MacDonald.

Here is Alex's obituary:

Peacefully on Saturday, February 9th 2008 at age 62, surrounded by his family, following a valiant fight against Leukemia, Alex Dell MacDonald of Carp, ON. Dearly loved husband and soul mate of Linda (nee Rumbolt) MacDonald. Beloved father of Chris MacDonald of Halifax and Sue MacDonald of Kanata. Dear brother of Myrna MacDonald Lowry (Keith) of Eaton Corner, QC. Predeceased by his parents Murdo & Joyce (nee McLeod) MacDonald of Sherbrooke, QC. Dear son-in-law of Mavis (nee Cuthbertson) Rumbolt and brother-in-law of Barry Rumbolt, both of Cowansville, QC. Also survived by his loving aunts and uncles: Mac MacDonald (Isobel), Marjorie MacDonald, Helen MacDonald, Mac McLeod, Vera Armstrong (Gerry), Florence Cuthbertson and Mary Cuthbertson. Will be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and a wonderful circle of friends and fellow musicians. A devoted volunteer firefighter, he will be missed by his fellow firefighters in the Ottawa Fire Service. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Ottawa General Hospital for their outstanding care and compassion during his 5-month battle.