Raymond Eugene McDonald

August 3, 1951 – September 10, 2014

Raymond Eugene McDonald passed away at the age of 63 on the evening of September 10th, 2014 while sitting in his favorite chair watching the Golf Channel.

He was born August 3rd, 1951 in Joliet, IL to the late Julius McDonald, Jr. and Mary Louise Route McDonald of Mt. Vernon, IL. His childhood was spent in the little ‘gray house’ with five brothers and one sister under their mother’s guidance. Mary did a lot with very little as a result of her faith in God and calm manner. She was self-reliant, independent and had high expectations for all of her children. She believed that education was the key to success because “people can’t take away your knowledge”.

He excelled in sports and academics. Ray and his brother, ‘Duke’ McDonald played for the Ingalls Park All Stars that was one game from winning the National Pony League Championship in San Diego. A standout athlete and scholar of Joliet East High School’s 1969 class he was a member of the National Honor Society and League All-Star Football Squad. Ray matriculated to Brown University with a combination of hard work and his God given talent. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics (Class of 1973) and pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He earned his MBA in Finance and Marketing from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business (Class of 1976).

This education propelled him into a career of nearly 30 years as a marketing executive that would take him all over the world. First by bringing delight to children and pain to parents’ wallets by introducing the world to new Hot Wheels, He-Man, Go-Bots, Tonka Trucks and Sega’s first North American console the Sega Master Systems. Finally, he would go on to market consumer electronics and footwear internationally before retiring. He was analytical, creative and focused, while encouraging everyone to do their best and pursue their dreams.

On May 14th, 1977 Ray started a family of his own with his marriage to Lisa Olivia Gaines whom he met at an internship at Xerox in Rochester, NY. Their union yielded two sons, countless joys, and a few headaches. A loving and caring family man, he spent his precious time raising his children as well as accompanying his wife to various festivals, plays and galleries. In his leisure time Raymond would immerse himself in the world of golf, attend jazz concerts, and get lost in a good science-fiction/fantasy novel. In retirement he would play his best golf, mentor youth and try to stay out of his wife’s way.

Ray is survived by his wife Lisa Gaines McDonald of Wilmette, IL; two sons, Loran Gaines McDonald and Ryan Gaines McDonald of Chicago, IL;, his sister Deborah “Debbie” McDonald, and brothers Irvin “Duke” McDonald (Beth), Edwin McDonald (Denise), & Anthony Route (Sharie); mother-in-law, Clara Berry Gaines; brother-in-law, Clarence Gaines, Jr. (Cheryl) as well as numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Sgt. Delbert “Bert” McDonald.

His wise and caring spirit is teeing up on the 19th hole in the sky.

Memorial Service

Wednesday, September 17th

6:00 PM

Unity on the North Shore

3434 Central St. Evanston, IL 60201

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the:

Cherry Scholarship Fund

The Warren “Billy” Cherry Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance for graduates of Evanston Township High School who wish to pursue and associate, bachelor’s or graduate degree in education or youth work.

P.O. Box 0944

Evanston, IL 60204