Malcolm Denis McDonald

“One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.” Malala Yousafzai – I Am Malala. Here is the story of one child, one teacher, many books, many pens and how throughout his lifetime he changed the world around him. Chapter 1 – The United Kingdom, Where It All Began: Malcolm Denis McDonald, or “Malc” as his family lovingly referred to him, was born on September 1, 1944, to Albert McDonald and Elsie Smith McDonald in Gainsborough Lincolnshire, UK. He grew up in Hull, UK with his older sister Maureen. He loved academics, swimming and European Football, otherwise known as soccer in the US. He enjoyed trips with his dad to see Hull City Football Club and remained interested and engaged in the happenings of the Club all his life. He was educated at Malet Lambert grammar school and then went on to Leicester University to train to be a teacher, a job which he loved. He taught in Leicester, Wetherby and Knaresborough where he became deputy headteacher. Chapter 2 – Loving Husband, Caring Father, Special Grandad, Uncle & Friend: In 1975 he immigrated to America where he met his wife Barb, and they were married shortly thereafter. They raised their daughter Heather in Plymouth and Canton MI, where many knew him as “Mac”. After a visit to see Heather at Western Michigan University, Mac and Barb found land in Saugatuck, MI where they built a beautiful home and lived there together for over 30 years. Mac adored his Mum, Dad and sister. He was a very loving and caring son. He was an amazing brother, and a wonderful uncle to Wendy and Susan. His nieces remember his open top MG sports car, him introducing them to fine dining, and his love of ridiculously expensive wine! Mac was always interested in what his great nephews were doing and would call his sister Maureen every Sunday to chat. She will dearly miss hearing from him. Despite the many miles that separated him from his family in England, he always kept in touch with his friends and loved ones “over the pond”. Family and friends in England enjoyed lovely holidays with Mac and his family when they came to visit. He was always kind, funny and generous. He was a brilliant raconteur with strong opinions, and he gave the biggest hugs in the world! His grandsons Spencer and Parker will never forget his cheers from the bleachers at their soccer games, holiday traditions of English Christmas crackers popping, overflowing Santa sacks, and trips with him up north. Mac loved hosting dinner parties; being with the people he loved brought him great joy. He enjoyed taking trips to Northern Michigan, and he built a log home there to enjoy the peace, quiet and serenity of Lake Michigan with his family & friends. Chapter 3 – The Man of Many Talents: Mac had a passion for reading, writing, theater, dance and photography. These passions were integral in shaping his professional legacy, a legacy which was defined by his sharp entrepreneurial spirit. From Mac’s early days working with his dad Albert in the family insurance business. To assisting in various other family businesses, to Mac founding M.D. McDonald Inc. a corporate communications and instructional media firm. Mac built the media firm into a powerhouse within the automotive industry. Throughout the 90’s, the company served as a primary partner for UAW – FORD’s National Joint Committee on Health and Safety. His work directly shaped the safety culture of the automotive industry, protecting and educating tens of thousands of factory workers. Mac scaled his expertise from specialized training media to large scale corporate communications, employee motivation programs, and massive product launches for Fortune 500 companies. His career stood as a testament to the power of impactful writing, professional integrity and an unyielding commitment to excellence. After retirement, Mac wrote a novel, “Writing from the Outskirts of Hope”. This was his second book, he also wrote, and had a book published as a tribute to his Mum titled “Letters from Else 1985 – 1992”. This book details the handwritten correspondence between the two of them after Mac Immigrated to America. Mac also engaged in photography and continued his love for reading and books, often reading 15 – 20 books per month. Chapter 4 – Blessed With Love, Once More: Mac often remarked how incredibly fortunate he was to experience the rare gift of true love and friendship twice in his lifetime. Mac loved the ocean. It was always his dream to live on the ocean again. His hometown city of Hull, its rich maritime history and being a major port city in Yorkshire constantly pulled Mac’s heart back to the water. He spent his final years creating memories, traveling and forging adventures near the ocean with his warmhearted and cherished partner Veronica, whom he lovingly called Ronnie. Mac’s smile would light up a room. His laughter would fill your heart with joy. He was taken from us extremely quickly in the end, but his kindness, his care, concern, generosity and protection of others will live with us forever. Mac leaves to mourn, his much-loved daughter Heather McDonald Chapp (James Chapp), his beloved sister Maureen Firth (Colin Firth), his cherished partner Veronica Leshan, his grandchildren Spencer Chapp and Parker Chapp, two special nieces Wendy O’Callaghan and Susan Roberts (Joseph Roberts), a dear friend Gerrard Carpency and a host of family, friends and other relatives.