John McDonald
(30 OCT 1929, 8 JAN 2004)
John McDonald Eulogies
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Betty McDonald, Phyllis Chapman and Bob Chapman (50th, MAY 2005)
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Sitting: Mary Fran Bottoms, Harriet Phillips, Joyce Hargrove, Betty McDonald
Standing: Phyllis and Bob Chapman, Bill Bottoms, Tom Phillips, Dick Hargrove, Robert Stoeckel (50th, MAY 2005)
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| Row 8: Auer, McNair, Street, Wix, Row 7: Horst, Paul Parks, ?, Dugan, Grubbs, Domeck, Bliss, Row 6: Howie Stone, Newton, Booras, Strom, McDonald, Row 5: Fikaris, Schick, Gallup, Cardillo, Wheeler, Masson, Row 4: Katenbrink, Spellman, Joseph, ?, Schlotter, Row 3: Bergen, Fralen, ?, Andrews, Dunaway, Bob Johnson, Jim Ryan, Row 2: Bean, Strati, Soper, Jeter, Wiegand, Lenio, Price, Row 1: Prater, Thorsen, Meisenheimer, Reid, Zaborowski, Feagin, Joe Franklin |
(15th Reunion 1970)
Larger Size
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C - 2
1st Row: Woerner, McCrillis, Lowry, John Miller, Wing, McDonald, Nieves-Rivera
2nd Row: Chapman, Lovell (CO), Ralph Henry, Hodges, Hargrove
3rd Row: Bottoms, Gilpin, Warren Jones, Tom Phillips, Stoeckel
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|
JoAnn and I got to know John and Betty during a period when we were stationed together in Thailand and later after retirement in NW Florida. They were a delightful couple--always positive.
John faced this dreadful disease with bravery and grace. He was a wonderful man, a great classmate, a fine officer and an honored member of the Long Gray Line. We will miss John. (MAY he rest in peace. Richard Secord January 8, 2004) After pilot training, John and I reported to our first assignment as fighter pilots flying F-86's. We formed a new squadron and had only a few airplanes to fly. When Thanksgiving came John, Betty (JAN and I shared together. We didn't have anything fancy, but had a wonderful time together. One weekend John and I flew up to Marquette Michigan and spent the night. We went to town only to find out they roll up the sidewalks at 6pm on Saturday nights up there. Those are fine memories of my time with a special classmate. Keep your mach up. George Kennebeck January 8, 2004) A true friend, a great leader, husband and father. Miguel and I, who roomed with Mac back when, cherish the visit we had in November 03. Mac fought the battle with courage, dignity and Class. He will be missed. We love you old friend. Well done- Be thou at peace. DICK Hargrove January 8, 2004) As a Cadet I knew John (aka Mac) as the kind of Cadet I wanted to be...laid back....hive....a low pressure guy. After graduation Mac and I went different paths and didn't meet again until the '55 internet came about in the late 1990)s. Mac was active on all three '55 Nets and always had worthwhile messages to send his classmates. Mac's messages were easy to spot with his cranky727@aol.com address. Well done cranky727, you will be greatly missed. Stay tuned, -w Bill Welter January 8, 2004) I got to know John well in the early 1960)'s in Norman, OK where we worked on our graduate degrees.We often flew the T-Bird together out of Tinker AFB; our families grew up and bonded together during their early youth. John was a great family man and a fine, no-nonsense officer. He also enjoyed living life to its fullest. I recall a batch of home brew which was cooling in his garage blowing their caps almost in unison during one of Betty's bridge parties; suds all over the garage and John not there to clean up. Our paths crossed often during our careers, once at his wonderful summer home on Lake George,where he taught me the art of catching lake trout. Those who, like John, loved life and lived it fully teach us the most about death,-- to accept that it comes, to meet it with courage, and to believe that such spirit can never be stilled. Be thou at peace. Phil Bouchard January 15, 2004) We were never roomates but have known each other since (SEP '55 when we both became members of good old C-2. John was a good friend then and I've been blessed with that friendship ever since. From those days as cadets, pilot training and right up until his very last days on this earth, he's been the calm, matter-of-fact, steadying influence that he was back in C-2. He bore his final illness with exemplary grace and dignity. His friendship is a privilege I'll always cherish. So long, old friend,- we'll meet again!! Walt McCrillis April 16, 2004) Received a call this evening at approximately 2020 hours from Michelle McDonald (John and Betty's Daughter.) Betty had been moved from the hospital at Hudson, FL to Hospice. This evening at around 1800 hours Betty McDonald passed away. Michelle and the Family thank everyone for their prayers and good thoughts. Betty did have her eyes open this morning for about two hours and she knew the Class of 55 was aware of her hospitalization. Michelle is not on the internet but her phone number is 352-597-8200. Should she not be there, she has an answering machine. Arrangements etc. have not yet been decided but Michelle will advise when plans are finalized. Rest in Peace Betty,- Dick Hargrove (28 OCT 2006) |
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