Mr. Bruce Macdonald, of Traverse City, formerly of Spring Lake passed away Saturday, March 23, 2019 at the age of 86. He was born in 1932 in Muskegon, the third child of David A. Macdonald and Marian M. Bird (nee’ Ashley). Mr. Macdonald attended public schools in Muskegon and Montague.
He briefly attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point, N.Y. he graduated from Michigan State University in 1956 with a B.S. degree in electrical engineering. He resided at various times in California, Florida, and New York, through most of his life he resided in Michigan. He was an active member of the Liberty Woods Senior Housing Cooperative in Spring Lake prior to moving closer to children in Traverse City 2 years ago.
He served various terms on the Finance Committee and Board of Directors and prepared the monthly newsletter for a number of years. Mr. Macdonald was previously married to Jacqueline Macdonald (nee’ Miller). He leaves three children, Richard L. of Grand Haven, Lucas A. (Colleen) of Suttons Bay and Alan D. of Traverse City.
He is survived by one sister, Marian M. Fagan of Muskegon; brother, David Macdonald of East Grand Rapids; step-brother, Richard Detzer of Montague; step-sister, Dorothy (Mark) Rubin of West Olive; as well as seven grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and Matthew Tomorsky (daughter, Jill’s partner). He was preceded in death by his parents, by his daughter, Jill Kimberly Macdonald of Traverse City; and step-sister, Mary Hilty, of Olney, Maryland. He retired from GTE Telephone Operations in 1991 after thirty years in the communications field.
He was previously employed by United Telephone Co., Lockheed Aircraft, three television broadcast stations, and one radio station. Mr. Macdonald was a former member of the national engineering honorary fraternity Tau Beta Pi, having served as President of the chapter at Michigan State University during his senior year when the chapter hosted the national convention. He was also a former member Eta Kappa Nu, the electrical engineering honorary fraternity.
Mr. Macdonald had served briefly on the Village of Spring Lake Zoning Board of Appeals, and on the Board of the Tri-Cities Ministries Counseling Center. He was a communicant at St. Mary’s in Spring lake, where he served on the Christian Service Committee for a number of years. During his life, he enjoyed travel, skating, skiing, exercise, bicycling, theater and films, and reading, playing card games and time spent with family.
He held a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon do. A Memorial Mass will be 11:00 AM Friday, March 29, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (406 E. Savidge St. Spring Lake, MI 49456). Visitation will be 6-8 PM Thursday, March 28, 2019 at The Spring Lake Chapel (231 E. Savidge St) with a Scripture Service at 7:30 PM.
Interment will take place in Spring Lake Township Cemetery. Memorial contribution in memory of Bruce may be given to the Vasculitis Foundation, PO Box 28660, Kansas City, MO 64188. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.
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