This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, John S. McDonald, 91, born on September 8th, 1925 and passed away on December 15th, 2016. John loved everyone he knew. He was known for his sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He retired from Mechanics Bank and was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge. He greatly missed his wife Mary. He is survived by his daughters Julie Gilmore (John) and Jennifer Anderson (Paul).
I must have been about six when John and Mary first came all the way from California to visit Mom & Dad and us kids in Charlottesville, Va. It was a MAJOR event! John was this natural born funny person! Sure plenty of other relatives could make us kids smile, but they only seemed to dabble at the art compared to John INHABITING the art - and making it even more all inclussive! What I mean by that is that the entire neighborhood got wind of John and he put on a comic show that had them bellowing with laughter!!! John was Dick Van Dyke- meets- Sid Ceasar- meets,Red Skelton all rolled into one - and even I could tell that at age SIX! I once got mad at him because he made me stop crying, because I HAD to laugh and didn't WANT to!! Truly unforgettable, John McDonald left us laughing, left us better than he found us! Farewell John journey onward in your after life - your debts are paid!
I will always remember Uncle John as a storyteller and joke teller. The way he could switch personalities made his jokes so funny.
I'm glad to have been able to spend some times with him and will cherish the memories.
submitted by Tom McDonald via email:John was my Big Brother in numerous ways. He was three & and a half years older and always large for his age .Growing up I always looked up to him and he was my mentor. I wanted to be with him all the time. Living in Iowa we had a Des Moines Register Paper Route .It did not matter how cold it was I wanted to accompany him and help with the delivery. On one winter Sunday it was+10 degrees F.I paid him a nickel so I could go with him. He always looked out for me and I didn’t mind it at all .In school I didn’t like to fight so if other boys wanted to fight or beat-up on me I said I’ll get my Big Brother to fight you. So when I came home I told him who I had lined up for him to fight. He never flinched and accepted the challenge . These are some of my memories. I love him and will always miss him. Farewell BIG BROTHER . Love your Brother Tom
John, Mary, Julie and Jennifer are like family to me. Memories of summer visits in El Sobrante, a wonderful trip to Tahoe, and fun picnics warm my heart. Johns big hugs, silly jokes, and laughter are what I remember the most! Our families had a great time together!
Uncle John, How fortunate my family was to live close enough to you to be able to visit you and get to know you in my adult life! Whenever we visited, we could count on your warm smile, your bright eyes, a big hug, and tons of laughs with your endless supply of jokes, complete with your impersonations. You were a huge presence in our lives. I love you and will miss you! Love, Leanne
Rest In Peace my good friend John. I was friends with John from exercise class. When I needed a care home for my husband John told me about Alma Bella Manor ll contacted her for me and thank God she was able to take him. I was very thankful. Met Mary at some of the lunches at Alma's she was a sweet lady and I know he miss her very much.... Thank you for your friendship. Phyllis Clark
