GORDON HUGH MC DONALD
On February 18, 2005, Gordon Hugh McDonald, a devoted father, proud military officer, skilled engineer and mathematician, and dedicated community volunteer went to the Lord at the age of 86.
Born in Philipsburg, Montana on July 2, 1918, he was the starting guard on the high school State basketball championship team, and he received his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from Montana State. Gordon enlisted in the Army the day after Pearl Harbor and attended officer candidate school at Yale. He was an engineering officer in the 8th Air Force in England, priding himself that none of his ships had to abort a combat mission because of mechanical failure. He earned six battle stars.
After WWII, Gordon joined the Air Force Reserve, retiring as a Lt. Col.
He worked as a chemical engineer and joined the Insurance Services Organization in 1949, serving in various technical management positions until retirement. He was a founder, and a member of the National Executive Committee, of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, was President of its So. Cal. chapter, and was one of the first individuals licensed by the State as a Professional Engineer in this specialty.
Upon retirement, Gordon volunteered for the American Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, and the Fullerton Sr. Citizens Center.
He is survived by his daughter Maria, his son Hugh '67, his beloved grandchildren John, Heather and Jennifer McDonald. His Rosary and funeral Mass were said at St. Mary's Church in Fullerton on February 22, 2005, and he was buried at Riverside National Cemetery. An officer and a gentleman, all those who knew and loved him will miss his quiet strength and dignity.
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Published in Orange County Register on Mar. 13, 2005.
