Jack E. MacDonald

Published 12:39 am Wednesday, October 28, 2015

April 27, 1924-October 19, 2015

Jack E. MacDonald of Bend, Oregon, passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on October 19, 2015, at his home in Bend, Oregon. He was 91.

Jack was born April 27, 1924 in Bellingham, Washington, to Roderick and Mame (Scott) MacDonald. He was raised in Ferndale, WA, where his love for his parents, sister and the town of Ferndale was life-long.

Jack proudly served in the US Army during World War II with the 15th Airforce Division as a turret gunner and radio operator. From 1943 – 1945, he flew 50 missions in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. After returning home from the War, Jack met and married Bettie Jean Wilson, the love of his life in 1949. They had three children.

In 1950, Jack graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and spent his career as a sales and marketing executive with The Carnation Company in the Pacific Northwest and California. In 1984 Jack and Bettie retired in Sunriver, OR, later settling in Bend.

Jack loved life, his family, friends and country. He was an enthusiastic spotter of wild animals, an ace bridge player and avid football fan – go Huskies! He had many other passions as well, including golf and hunting. Jack and Bettie pursued their love of travel up until last month on an Alaskan cruise with dear friends. His sense of humor was with him to the end of his lengthy, full life.

Jack is survived by his loving and devoted wife Bettie MacDonald of Bend, OR, and their daughters, Jan MacDonald of Seattle, WA and Laurie (husband Richard Shelton) MacDonald of Los Angeles, CA; and his dear sister, Deanie DeGraaff. He was preceded in death by both parents and a son, Roderick John MacDonald.

All who knew Jack will remember him for his honesty, devotion to family and friends and contagious sense of humor. He knew no strangers and was never at a loss for words or a good story.

Memorial Contributions in Jack’s memory can be made to Burned Children Recovery Foundation, 409 Wood Place, Everett WA 98203, www.burnedchildrenrecovery.org; or Partners in Care Hospice, 2075 NE Wyatt Court, Bend OR 97701, www.partnersbend.org.

Deschutes Memorial Chapel and Gardens is honored to care for the family, (541) 382-5592. Please visit our online register book at deschutesmemorialchapel.org