Daniel Alexander McDonald

Dan was born on February 21st, 1923 in Palouse, Washington. He was the only child born to Dan and Vivian McDonald. Dan was only four years old when his mother passed away from tuberculosis. His Grandma Ella and several Aunts were a large part of his life until his father remarried Alta Virginia in 1933. Dan was born with a penchant for adventure that kept him busy and sometimes got him into trouble. He graduated from Wapato High School in 1940 and followed in his father’s footsteps by attending Washington State University. He remained a loyal Coug all his life.

Dan married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Milly, in 1942. They were married at the Hitching Post Wedding Chapel in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Milly joined Dan in Pullman upon their marriage and he continued his studies in horticulture until his father’s illness forced him to return home to run the family farm in Parker Heights.

During those first years back at home, Dan ran his father’s farm, while also caring for a truck farm for Japanese friends who were relocated to an internment camp. When the war was over, Dan and Milly moved to the farmhouse on the McDonald farm where throughout the years they raised cattle, and grew hops, apples, pears, prunes, cherries, and numerous other fruit. They also raised their family there. Dan and Milly had five children, Daniel (Danny) Scott, David Alexander, Marilyn Adele, Paul Wesley, and Julie Ann. More than anything Dan loved his family and was always working to provide for them and lead them by example. Danny, David, Paul, and his son-in-law Karl all went into the family farming business, carrying on the McDonald tradition.

Throughout Dan’s life he was a very active member of his community. He enjoyed leading his sons’ Boy Scout troops and served on many organizations. He was one of the original investors of the Yakima Bait Company and served as president and as a board member for many years. Dan was on the Snokist Board of Directors from 1961-1975, and president from 1969-1972. He was President of the Horticulture Association, Owner of a Centennial Farm, Yakima Valley Sportsman’s Association president in 1984 and a lifelong member, Washington State Sportsman’s Council president 1957, and was one of the first chairman at McAllister Museum of Aviation as well as a lifelong member.

In addition to farming, community work, and caring for his family, Dan had many other interests. He was most at home outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman, and trap shooter. He enjoyed snow skiing at White Pass, as well as waterskiing and boating. He loved taking his family on waterskiing trips to the Priest Rapids Reservoir, as well as spending time at the family’s cabin near Rimrock Lake. Dan was also very involved in his church, where he served as an elder numerous times, and where he was instrumental in the building of the church in 1962.

When their children were grown Dan and Milly spent several winters in Arizona in their motor home, and enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren. Dan will be remembered by his family for his constant kindness, strong work ethic, and sense of humor. That sparkle in his eyes will be greatly missed.

Dan was predeceased in death by his wife of 62 years, Milly, sons Danny and David, his mother Vivian, his father Daniel, his step-mother Alta Virginia, his grandson Kurt, and his dog Sandy.

He is survived by his children Marilyn (Karl) Staudinger of Yakima, Paul (Amy) McDonald of Wapato, and Julie (Jeff) Oerding of Canby, Oregon; his grandchildren Daniel (Crystal) McDonald, Stephanie (Brian) Ahlgren, Suzanne Sims, Joelle (Andy) Loveless, Tara (Caleb) Curfman, Katie Staudinger, and Ben (Hannah) McDonald; his great-grandchildren Courtney, Chloe, and Madeline McDonald, Patrick and Breanna Ahlgren, Caitlin, Melanie, and Brian Sims, Danny and Clara Loveless, Max Curfman, and Sam McDonald; his brother-in-law Jack (Dilara) Sabin; his nephew Jack Sabin Jr., and niece Shelby Norwood.

The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Parker Heights Presbyterian Church or the McAllister Museum of Aviation.

A Memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 4, 2012 at the Parker Heights Presbyterian Church, 5451 Konnowac Pass Rd., Wapato, WA. Keith & Keith Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. To share a memory of Daniel visit, www.keithandkeith.com.