Hamish John A. MACDONALD

Hamish, “The Mac”, passed away too soon on Saturday September 3, 2022 after a small battle with multiple organ failure at Nanaimo General Hospital. He was surrounded by his wife, Anjali Chawla and close friends who loved him dearly. He was 68. Hamish was much loved by his family from India, Gian and Sudha Kapur, Madhukar and Savita Jhingan, Rohit and Aaditi Bajaj. nieces Pavitra, Pratishtha and Yogini and nephews Srijan and Aaryan; Chawla, Chugh, Taneja; Pal, Sood, Rajan and Sethi families.

Hamish was predeceased by his father and mother-in-law Prem Kumar and Sneh Lata Chawla, his parents Thomas and Sandra MacDonald (Point Grey Road) and brother Darryl. He is survived by his siblings Geraldine, Michael and Devorah and his daughters Tara and Alicia, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

After a troubled childhood spent at Kitsilano Secondary School, Point Grey, Vancouver and St. Michaels University School in Victoria, Hamish lived and worked inTerrace and Victoria. Hamish turned his life around in 1991!! He went on to work in the downtown Eastside as a mental health worker for over twenty years with the Lookout Emergency Aid Society and Coast Foundation. He showed compassion, care, generosity and love when interacting with clients.

Music was Hamish’s first love and it helped him through life’s struggles. His songs reflect his sadness, depression and joy of life. Hamish was  loved and respected in the music community of Vancouver and Nanaimo. Malcom Parry of the Vancouver Sun once called him the Dark Horse of Vancouver Music. Friends remember him from "Live Wire", "Banshee", "Big City" and "The Mac" in Vancouver and Nanaimo.

His last Album “Lazaara’s Edge” - Angels, Pirates & Demons reflects his musical prowess. 

A friend captured the essence of ‘Hamish’s being’ in the following words, "Such an incredibly beautiful Soul, Amazing Musician, Husband and Incredible Friend to so many. Generous beyond Words, the time and Friendship he gave to so many in their path to living a healthier lifestyle was very Inspiring and Moving to see. An unmatched Lover of Guitars, and People and always greeted you with a Smile, and Caring Embrace. It’s a Beautiful Memory that I’ll cherish for Life, and as we miss you… Today Heaven gained an Angel and an Incredible Musician… and I know it’s going to be a much happier place, with Your Warm Heart and Big Smile.”

Hamish, you will always live in our hearts and memories through your songs and Music. 

If you wish to join a small gathering in Nanaimo on Wednesday September 14, 2022, to remember the impact he had on those around him, please contact the family. A Musical Tribute “JAM” open to all friends and musicians will be held on  Saturday October 1, 2022 at the Queen's, 34 Victoria Crescent Nanaimo BC, from 2 to 5 pm. Doors open at 1 pm. Please bring your music to give Hamish a great send off!! 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Unitarian Shelter of the First Unitarian Fellowship Church of Nanaimo.  Expression of sympathy and personal tributes can be left here or sent to the family.

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