Ferris Waind MacDonald

Ferris Waind was born to Norma (Ferris) and Cecil (Mac) MacDonald on December 11, 1939, and was eagerly welcomed by his nine-year-old sister Wanda. A year later he was joined by sister Connie. Being close in age they devleloped many of their own words, often requiring interpretation by Wanda. 

From a young age Waind exhibited an interest in all things mechanical. He liked to make things with his Meccano set, toy steam engine and to investigate the inner workings of clocks as well as radios. 

He learned to drive a car as soon as he could reach the pedals and see out the windshield. His special pleasure was to back the car out of the garage for his dad. He never lost his love of cars, old and new, loving collecting and displaying hundreds of models of cars and John Deere equipment. 

He attended Euclid school Grades 1 through 9 and then on to PCI for High School. Dad met and married mom Vyra Lillian (Vollett) on October 7, 1961. 

Waind was a charter member of the local Kam Pushers Car Club which he joined at the age of 16. From that time on he was always a member of the local car clubs. First In Tin, and most recently at his passing, he was a founding member of the still active Vintage Cruisers Car Club. He and Vyra attended car shows in Canada and the USA, including a memorable family trip to Mount Rushmore and throughout South Dakota with other long time car club families. 

The restoration of his dad’s 1948 Ford 2-ton farm truck was a source of great pride, enjoyment and was featured in many Austin Threshermen’s Reunion Parades.  

As a teen, he was an Air Cadet. Waind was a member of the Board of Directors for the Coop Hail Insurance, a member of the Kinsmen Club Portage la Prairie, and faithful volunteer driver for the Central Plains Cancer Services. He is a member of Trinity United Church. 

At sixteen his father died and with help from older cousins Howard and Davey he learned how to run a farm. He loved farming and the farming community. He was the third generation of MacDonalds on the farm and was proud and happy to have his son Darren succeed him as the fourth. 

Waind was predeceased by his parents, brothers-in-law, George Ryder and Marvin Krawec. Left to mourn his passing are his loving wife of 63 years Vyra (Vollett), daughter Meechelle (Ron Best) and Darren (Tricia Lee); grandchildren Michael Verwey (Alaina Robb), Kellie Verwey (Travis Lundy), Brady MacDonald (Kate McLean), Josh MacDonald, Quinn MacDonald (Patry Trandafir), Jessica Best (Evan Kaminiski) and Ryan Best (Britnay Zakowich), greatgrandchildren Shianne Verwey, Dalton and Huck MacDonald, sisters Wanda Ryder and Connie Krawec, along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. 

Waind grew from a shy little boy to a friendly and outgoing person. He leaves many families, friends and acquaintances with fond memories.  

A celebration of Waind’s life will take place at Trinity United Church on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 2:00 pm, led by Rev. Julie Baker. The service will be livestreamed, to register and view visit Waind’s obituary page at www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com. 

Donations are welcome to the Central Plains Cancer Services and Trinity United Church in lieu of flowers.  

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com