Donald Hamilton Macdonald

EULOGY

Donald Hamilton MacDonald was born October 10th 1919 in Howe Idaho to

Duncan and Opal MacDonald. Donald was the youngest of the children. He was

close to his older sisters Kathryn, Dorothy, and Big Dorothy throughout his life

and spent many happy years sharing camping trips and holidays with them and

their families. Donald grew up in the Bellingham and Mt Vernon area where he

lived through good times and bad, including the great depression. During the

great depression Donald developed a lifelong dislike of oatmeal and split pea soup

because it became a daily staple of his family's diet. On August 17th 1952 Donald

married Nellie and became the proud father to her six year old daughter Cecilia

Rae. Shortly thereafter came the births of their three other children Robert, Kathy

and Don. The MacDonald's moved often in those early years as Donald worked as

a heavy equipment operator. Donald was a proud member of the Operating

Engineers Union, Local 302 for over 60 years. Donald worked throughout the

state of Washington building highways and other projects. The family eventually

settled in Kent Washington, where Don and Nellie bought their first home. Their

home became a gathering place for holidays and special festive events for family

and friends. Donald loved to dance and during these New Year's Eve events it

gave him the opportunity to show off his many moves on the dance floor.

Donald was an avid boater and water skier. During many camping and boat

outings Donald taught all his children to water ski. Donald was a supportive father

who never missed a sporting event or activity for one of his children. Later in life

Donald became an avid golfer and upon his retirement Donald and Nellie became

snow birds and began spending their winters in Arizona where they played golf

daily and socialized with their many good friends. Donald racked up an impressive

five holes in one during their time golfing in Arizona. Donald also enjoyed fishing

and crabbing in the waters of Puget Sound and going to garage sales. Donald was

a generous and true family man who enjoyed spending time with his children,

grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved

large gatherings and celebrations because it gave him the opportunity to

spend time with his family. In 2005 Donald lost his wife Nellie of fifty three years.

Four years later in 2009 Donald lost his oldest son Robert. As the years passed he

continued spending time with his family and playing golf well into his eighties.

Donald loved driving his golf cart on his property and going out to eat at

restaurants where he loved flirting with the waitresses. Donald continued to live

independently until the final few years of his life with his beloved dog Snoopy by

his side. Although he suffered debilitating illnesses he maintained his sense of

humor and his passion for life. Donald passed away peacefully at Swedish Hospital

in Isaquah Washington on March 4th 2016 at the age of 96 with his family by his

side.