Donald Wayne McCormack

Donald Wayne McCormack passed away on April 28, 2022 at the age of 87. Wayne , as he was affectionately known to his family and many friends, was born on October 8, 1934 in Zion, Illinois to Walter and Marian McCormack, the second of four children. Following the divorce of his parents, Wayne along with his mother and 3 sisters moved to Franklin Park, Illinois where he continued his schooling, graduating from East Leyden High School. It was there that he met his future bride, Shirley Ann Davis and on December 3, 1954, they married and began a new life. Together they raised 3 children while Wayne pursued his career with Illinois Bell Telephone Company.

In 1966, Wayne and Shirley had the opportunity to visit Lake Havasu City, compliments of Robert McCulloch and flew out to visit this oasis in the desert. They returned again in 1967, saw the potential, purchased property and flew back to Illinois to tell their family. In the late 60’s, Wayne and Shirley loaded everything up and headed west. Upon arriving, Wayne began working for Citizen’s Utilities and Shirley worked for Underwood’s Clothing Store, Havasu’s only clothing store. Wayne, wanting to be involved and contribute to his new community became a member of the Lake Havasu City Volunteer Fire Department. Wayne was a volunteer for 3 years and was Assistant Chief under Arden Johnson. Over time as the town grew, the need arose for a full- time fire department and Wayne became one of the founding full time members. He became a full- time firefighter in 1972 and retired in 1992 as an engineer. Shirley went to work for the Lake Havasu School District and was the librarian at the Junior High until her untimely passing in 1978. While working at the fire department, Wayne met Phyllis Hoover and the two were married in 1982 until her passing in 2018.

Wayne had a passion for golf, something he took up in high school, and was a member of the Lake Havasu Golf Club for many years where he met and made many friends. His love for golf took him on many outings around the southwest with his friends.

When he wasn’t playing golf, you could find Wayne out in his workshop, building cabinets, dressers, bedroom sets…. you name it, he built it. He even built 3 houses, 2 of which are lived in by his 2 sons.

But what brought the most joy to Wayne was his family. Seeing his family for the holidays, watching them achieve milestones and moving forward with their families made him very proud. As blessed as you were with your family, we are honored to call you our father, our grandfather and our great grandfather. Our memories are forever and our love is endless. Rest in peace Dad.

Wayne is survived by his sons Pat McCormack and his wife Vicki, Terry McCormack and his wife Sandy, both of Lake Havasu City, daughter Peggy Ewald and her husband John of Reno, Nevada, stepsons Neal Hoover of Phoenix, AZ and Darryl Hoover and husband Joel Gittelman of Parker, CO. Also his grandchildren Erica McCormack and Michael McCormack and his wife Sara, Heather O’Brien and her husband Joe, Sean McCormack and his wife Eddi, Christopher Ewald and his wife Amy and McKenna Ewald and Cody Hoover and his wife Danniell and great grandchildren Jacob, Shanya, Aiden, Ryder, Quinn and Layla. Wayne is also survived by his sister Sally Kirby of Cottage Grove, OR as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife Shirley, his second wife Phyllis, his grandson Tyler Ewald, and sisters Donna Begoun and Sheila Bishop.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations in Wayne’s name be made to Hospice of Havasu 232 London Bridge Rd. Bldg A Lake Havasu City, AZ. 86403

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held on Saturday June 4, 2022 at 4:00 pm at the Lake Havasu City Aquatic Center