Travis "Mr. Bill" McDonald

Mr. Bill came to Portland in 1944 to visit his father, where he eventually made Portland his place of residence.

At the age of 17, he started working in the ship repair industry. By the age of 41, he became the first African American on the west coast to manage a shipyard. He also was the first and only person (at the time dated) in the state of Oregon to work 50 consecutive years in the ship building and ship repair industry. He was a 50 year member of the laborers International Union of North America. He retired on April 28, 1995 from Cascade General.

Mr. Bill was preceded in death by his loving wife Lois McDonald of 51 1/2 years, his brother Earl McDonald Jr., his sister Ruth Hill and his grand daughter Evonne McDonald.

He leaves to cherish his homecoming: His only son - Kenneth Wayne McDonald; his sister Alberta Randle; his only grandson - Kenneth Ray McDonald (who provided care for him up until his passing); Great-Grandchildren - Brandon T. McDonald, Malik Farrakahan, Keauna Cobb, Breauna Cobb and Ken'Niyah McDonald; God-daughter -Shirley Cowan. Several nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives.

Mr. Bill had many accomplishments! Up until the time of his sickness he was a volunteer for Loaves & Fishes for consecutive years. Where he served and delivered meals to the seniors of the community. He was a member of the NAACP for the past 30 plus years, he contributed donations to the United Negro College fund on a yearly basis and he was heavily involved and active in Genesis Community Fellowship church under Pastor Donald T. Frazier.

In 1993, He was honored by OASIS (Older Adult Services & Informational System) for being an outstanding senior role model.

In 1994, he was named Loaves & Fishes volunteer of the year In 2007, He was recognized and honored by SEI as an outstanding Senior in the community.

Mr. Bill was the true definition of a mans, man. He exemplified leadership to the highest level. Mr. Bill will always be remembered as an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend and neighbor!

Special thanks to his neighbors Mr. Jackson, Ms. Marcy Jackson, Mrs. Wanda Warren, Ms. Glenda Broadus and Ms. Dianne Causey and family for supporting Mr. Bill and Kenneth Ray every step of the way. Thanks to cousin Robert McDonald, his niece Sharon and family, Anika Sloan, Rae'Shae McDonald, Ms. Connie Brown, Genesis Community Fellowship and Pastor Donald T. Frazier and family.

Arrangements under the direction of Caldwell's, Hennessey, Goetsch & McGee Funeral Home, Portland, OR.