Captain McDonald was a superb naval officer and a very good man; exceptional father, husband, and friend. He was wonderful in all that mattered. I had the great fortune to meet Captain McDonald as a young Midshipman at the Naval Academy, maintaining a friendship with him over the next 40 plus years. He was a very special man who exhibited the finest characteristics of a gentleman and Naval officer. As a plebe we learned of John Paul Jones’ famous letter on the “Qualifications of a Naval Officer”. Captain McDonald embodied and lived by those words: “It is by no means enough that an officer of the Navy should be a capable mariner. He must be that, of course, but also a great deal more. He should be as well a gentleman of liberal education, refined manners, punctilious courtesy, and the nicest sends of personal honor. He should be the soul of tact, patience, justice and charity…”
He was all that and more. Captain McDonald was a kind man that made you feel special and very good about yourself. Always positive, pleasant and upbeat, he had nothing but nice words for, and about, everyone. He was thoughtful in his advice and generous in his time. I am a better man for knowing him and the world is a better place because of the life he lived. We will miss him and cherish his legacy of a great family and many dear friends.
John Bird
