Ryan was born the son of James and Bonnie (Gratopp) McDonald in Pontiac, Michigan on December 14th, 1966. He graduated from Avondale High School, in Auburn Hills, Michigan, class of 1985. Ryan joined the U.S. Air Force, serving as a firefighter at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia from 1986-1990. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for the city of Auburn Hills.
Ryan graduated from the Police Academy in 1993 while attending college at Michigan State University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 1994. Shortly after graduation, he began his successful 25 year career as a police officer for the Clawson Police Department. Ryan served as a patrol officer, school liaison, detective and federal task force officer during his tenure, retiring in 2019.
Ryan was a diehard MSU fan. He enjoyed deer hunting and target shooting, going up north, sitting around a bonfire, golfing, smoking ribs, burning scented candles, watching the Hallmark channel, and reading. He loved being able to make people laugh through conversations and goofy actions such as army crawling and making funny faces. He enjoyed talking to anyone and everyone. He was also known for keeping a meticulous yard.
He maintained a close relationship with Christ which helped him with raising his greatest joy, his son Ryan.
Ryan is survived by his parents; son Ryan John McDonald; siblings Jim (Sonya) McDonald II; Kevin McDonald; and Kelly (Tony) Wass; uncles Albert (Betty) McDonald and Richard Gratopp; aunts Sharon Dusten and Viginia Stauffer; nephews JD and Brendan; nieces Emily, Samantha, Meghan and Alexandra; many close cousins and friends; as well as many “wives” that he held dear to his heart (a football wife, a neighbor wife, a crazy wife, MSU wives, many work wives…) and his adorable dog Patch. Ryan was preceded in death by many loving family members including his aunt’s Ethel, Catherine, Marlana, and Virginia.
Ryan’s family welcomes all to a visitation on Thursday December 21st, 2023, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. as well as Friday December 22nd, 2023, from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, located at 3530 Auburn Road in downtown Auburn Hills, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ryan’s honor for his son’s future. Envelopes will be available at Pixley Funeral Home for contributions. Also available for memorial contributions is virtual donations via Venmo through Kevin McDonald - the trustee of Ryan’s Living Trust; @kevmaclb
