Bartimaeus (Arthur) McDonald was born on March 20, 1926 in Enfield St Mary, Jamaica, to Beatrice and Theapolus Augustus Albert McDonald. He was the youngest of two brothers and four sisters. As the baby of the family, life was pretty carefree, and he was very popular amongst his peers. He was given the name Arthur when he started school, as the teacher thought the name Bartimaeus was too much for a young boy.
His life changed significantly in his early teens, when his mother passed away, and he left the country side for the big city of Kingston. He learned the painting trade, and worked with several contractors doing residential and commercial painting. After several years in Kingston, he reconnected with his childhood friend Bernice Strachan. They got married and had four children. Wanting the best lives for their family they migrated to the United States in the 1960s. Life in Brooklyn, New York was challenging, but they worked hard and Bartimaeus always made the best of any situation. He truly believed in the American dream. He worked for several companies in New York, the last one as a certified nursing assistant at Sheepshead Bay Nursing Home.
In 1991, he retired to Oviedo, Florida, and focused on his grandchildren. He enjoyed picking them up after school and taking care of them. He was a true family man, and had a very active social life. Most people would say he was the life of every party. Bartimaeus loved to dance, and those who knew him, know he was always the last one off the dance floor. Besides dancing, he also had a passion for cooking and gardening.
Bartimaeus was an ambitious, respectful, peaceful, and honorable man, and family meant the world to him. He made sure his children were properly educated and cared for, and he always extended a helping hand to anyone in need. He was especially supportive of the younger generation, and always gave advice on how to be loving to your family in the most amusing and realistic way. Bartimaeus was a happy man and everyone who knew him will forever remember his laugh and love for people. His life philosophy was "love, love, and more love."
Bartimaeus was a loving husband to Bernice McDonald, who passed away on March 11, 2019, after a marriage of over 63 years. He is survived by his children, Winlette McDonald, Pauline (Scherman) Davis, Deanna (Lionel) Hoilette, and Ray (Rosemarie) McDonald. Grandchildren Sharah, Lauren, Jason, Omar, Cameron, Ray Jr., Kamajah, and Tajaha. As well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
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