John Henry McDonald, husband of 57 years to Irene Douglas Allen, died September 11, 2015. He was surrounded by his family and lovingly cared for by Vitas Hospice. Mac was the kindest, most courageous loving man any of those close to him knew.
John was born in Waukegan, Illinois to Harry & Stella McDonald, deceased, as are his brother Jim, (wife Susie), Sister Patricia, nephew David Trent and Irene and John's daughter, Leslie.

Mac and Irene produced three lovely children, Edward, Traci, & Leslie, who gave us our grandchildren, Justin, Rachel, Jason, Andy & Patrick. Then the loves of his life arrived; great-grandson Nicholas, 3 and great-granddaughter Venice, 1. Family members consist of Sister-in Law Marcia and husband Earl Milligan and their children and grandchildren. Jim & Susie McDonald had 5 children and countless grandchildren, and his sister Patricia had several children and grandchildren.

John courageously fought pancreatic cancer for over a year and recently purchased an adult trike to ride alongside of his great grandson and to teach his wife Irene how to ride in his last weeks of life.

John will live in our hearts forever. He was a kind and loyal friend and family member and always had a good joke to share. His love of fishing, golfing, scuba diving, tennis, snow skiing out west, kayaking Brevard waters, master gardener, reading mystery & adventure novels and winning at cards and games with his family and friends all in good fun. Over the 13 years Mac and Irene were in Melbourne, they volunteered at STPS, often guiding night trips to see a mother turtle build her nest and deposit her bounty. They also walked in the early morning to spot new nests and report on them. He volunteered at SunTree Library, Water Resource Management Society, Brevard Parks & Recreation, Brevard Zoo, and Master Gardner Extension Program. He found time for bicycling with his wife on the east coast (Cape Cod to Florida) and a favorite cycling area was Vancouver City. His golf and fishing buds could be found competing for the largest fish or worse hooked golf stroke. He owned a boat named "The Mothership" and Irene, his galley wench, performed duties for the 13 or so family and friends as they navigated the lagoon/river.
John missed his youngest daughter, Leslie Paige who died in an automobile accident seven years ago. But sadness became joy when smiles bloomed over the antics of his loving family and grand and great grandbabies. The recent marriage of his son Ed, to Claudia brought such happiness to have a new grandson, Andy, Claudia's Mother Norma and Brother Norm and other siblings and nieces. He especially enjoyed his relationship with Traci's partner Mark and his extended family.
For six years he served as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne, Fort Campbell, Ky. He then spent 33 years as a Project Manager for AT&T/NCR. He dabbled in art and gifted family members with various art pieces, all cherished and hung on the walls of our homes. He loved gardening and we often had herbs and veggies from our yard, along with flowers for Irene to enjoy.
He will be missed every day by those who loved him. Irene's best friend throughout their entire adulthood has gone. Married at 19, they grew up together. Over the years they accumulated so many wonderful friends (Maryland & Virginia) many of whom visited him during this past year's journey. John's most precious friends are Harold & Donna, Faye (his secret best gf), Tommy & Carrie, Linda & Bob, Danielle & Richard, the Anderson Clan and many others who Irene & John saw infrequently.
His newest friends belonged to the Unitarian Universal Congregation, directed by their Minister Beth Miller. They have constantly supported the family through this difficult time.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Unitarian Universal Church on Saturday, October 17th at 2:00 p.m., The Reverend Beth Miller officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in John's memory to:
Wounded Warriors Homes; 1145 Linda Vista Drive, #104, San Marcos, CA 92078, (760)483-3553 or the Universal Unitarian Fellowship 3115 Friendship Place, Rockledge, FL 32955
"Let the moon shine on thee in thy solitary walk; and let the misty mountain winds be free to blow against thee."