Donald Angus MacIsaac

Donald Angus Maclsaac - teacher, artist, loving husband and devoted family man - passed away July 18,2025 in Salem, Oregon. He was a life-long advocate for individuals with intellectual challenges and a proud Scot.

The son of John and Margaret Maclsaac, Don was born April 25,1933 in Everett, Washington. He grew up on the shores of Puget Sound, with his brothers and sisters: Joseph, Rosemary, Clare, Colleen, John and William, and always loved the salt air and light. While attending Everett High, he became interested in art, particularly watercolor and acrylic painting. One of his early paintings won an honorable mention in a nationwide contest and subsequently toured art museums across the country. His first job was at Arnie lensen's sign shop in Everett, and he had happy memories of plein air painting alongside this well-respected Northwest artist. Don married Arline Svensson in 1955, and a few months later deployed in the U.S. Army as a clerk in France. While he was abroad, Arline welcomed their first child, a daughter, Therese. Upon his return to civilian life, Don worked at Northwestern Lumber and Manufacturing Co., owned by his father-in-law. Later, he was employed at Boeing in Seattle, working days while taking night classes at Seattle University to complete his education degree. He andArline were blessed with five more children: Michael, Joseph, James, John, and Stephen.

In 1965, the Maclsaac family moved to Salem where Don began teaching art at Parrish Middle School. Some of the family's fondest memories were of visiting Dad's classroom and later, running into former students (there were many over his 29-year career) and hearing what a positive influence Dad had been in their lives. In the early 1970's, Don learned to play the bagpipes and joined the AIbany Scottish Pipe Band and later the Oregon Defense Force Pipe Band. Over the next three decades with the bands, he took part in parades and highland games throughout the west, represented the state in Ronald Reagan's presidential inauguration, and participated in a Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Throughout his life Don was devoted to his Catholic faith. After settling in South Salem, the family became members of Queen of Peace parish. At home, the answer to the question: "Where's Dad?" was usually, "He's over at the church." Don served as a lector, Eucharistic minister, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and with Arline was active in the luncheon committee, the Happy 39er's, and the Table of Plenty food pantry. He founded and ran the Shamrock group, which gave persons with intellectual or physical disabilities a place to socialize and enjoy activities together. Don is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Arline; daughter, Therese (and Terri); sons Michael, Joseph, John, and Stephen (and Tia); granddaughters Kaitlin and Sarah; and brother, William of Everett.

A Memorial Mass will be held for Don on Thursday, August 14 at 11:00

a.m. at Queen of Peace Catholic Church (4227 Lone oak Rd. SE, Salem)