Ranald MacDonell turned 100 years old on May 14, and his birthday wish was poignant, yet simple.
“I wish they would get rid of this COVID-19,” said MacDonell, a resident at Meadowbrook Residence in Lively for the past year and a half.
MacDonell was the man of the hour when his fellow residents, staff, Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas and some of his family gathered outside Meadowbrook to wish him a happy birthday.
And it was all done at a distance, in making sure everyone adhered to physical distancing protocols.
MacDonell was born in Alexandria, Ont., between Montreal and Ottawa. He spent most of his life in North Bay and worked for the Ministry of Natural Resources.
He’s also a Second World War veteran and was stationed in Halifax, N.S., during his time in the Navy.
Three of his five boys were on hand for the birthday celebration. They brought their children and grandchildren to help celebrate.
He said he owes his long life to being surrounded by good people.
Join Sudbury.com in wishing the city’s newest centenarian a happy birthday.
