Obituary of Douglas James MacDonald
Douglas James MacDonald was born on January 7, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the only child born to the union of Andrew James MacDonald and Edna Bertha (Armour) MacDonald. Mac, as he would become known, graduated from Lincoln Park High School with the class of 1964.
Douglas was born a hard worker. As a young man he embarked on a career as an electrician that spanned nearly fifty years. Mac took a position with Kelsey Hayes and stayed with the company until their closing. It was then that he continued his professional journey at the Toledo Blade Newspaper, wholeheartedly embracing whatever project was thrown his way.
Mac married the love of his life, the former Joanne Mary Bejczy at the Wayne County Courthouse on September 11, 1967. The couple was blessed with the birth of five children. The family moved to a Centennial Farm in Dundee from Carleton. Beyond his work outside the home, he found solace and fulfillment tending to the needs of the farm. Whether it was caring for the animals, to ensure their well-being, cutting the grass, or tending to his large produce garden, and apple orchard, it was truly a labor of love.
When Mac made time for leisure activities, he enjoyed relaxing in front of the television, particularly captivated by old classics like, “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Gunsmoke”, although he did enjoy cutting up to “Two and a Half Men”. These shows provided him with a soothing respite after a long day. Through his example, he instilled in his family and children a strong work ethic, will and toughness, guiding them with compassion and teaching them the value of perseverance.
Mac was an excellent provider, and even though he was extremely committed to his work, he had an unwavering devotion to his family. He always made time to lend a helping hand, an ear to listen to, or a shoulder to lean on. His support for his spouse was immeasurable, catering to her needs whenever possible. Mac always had a place in his home and on the farm for canine companions, his horse Chevy, and sheep Rosy. However, his current bond with Labrador’s Britney and Snickers were a testament to his kind and nurturing nature.
Douglas “Mac” MacDonald, age 77 of Dundee passed away at 6:37am on Friday; July 28, 2023 at his home. He had been under the care of Arbor Hospice since April. His passing was preceded by his parents, a son: Douglas James MacDonald II, and a daughter: Joanne Edna MacDonald.
To cherish his memory, he leaves his beloved wife of nearly fifty-six years: Joanne MacDonald of Dundee; three children: Julaynne MacDonald of Britton, Jackie MacDonald of Dundee, and Josh MacDonald of Dundee; ten grandchildren;and two great grandchildren.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Tuesday; August 1, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. Military honors under the auspices of the Dundee Veterans Memorial Honor Guard will take place at 7:45pm. Mac will lie in state from 10:00am until 11:00am on Wednesday; August 2, 2023, at St. Peter Lutheran Church; 343 East Center Street, Petersburg, Michigan 49270. A Funeral Service Celebrating His Life will take place at 11:00am with Pastor Mark Witte officiating. Cremation will follow through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
Memorials are suggested to the family, local veteran’s organizations, or Monroe County 4H. Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com to leave words of inspiration and comfort or to share a photo.