Donald Raymond MacGillivray

Donald Raymond MacGillivray was born July 27th, 1958, in Brown’s Bay, New Zealand. He was the oldest of three, though no one accused him of being the mature one. He enjoyed fast cars, terrible jokes, and a reputation with Browns Bay traffic officers in his youth. Despite his own best efforts, he survived to adulthood. He moved to the United States in the 1980s, where he met his future wife and the mother of his children, Virginia. Between being a menace to tow truck drivers, a terror in his Camaro, and a skilled tile-setter, he was a loving father and husband who could always be counted on to lend a hand to friends and strangers alike.

Like his father, Don was a gifted story-teller with a colorful life to share. His daughters grew up hearing about Smudge the dog with a drinking problem, Lynda and her horse, Grandma Marion and the Disney table, Psychic Aunt Sheila, (losing) childhood boxing matches with Greg refereed by their father, Grandpa Red and his antics around the local Legion Hall, The Phantom Farter, and the importance of looking both ways when leaving the airport.

Don was widowed in 2012. Thanks to the support of his siblings Greg and Lynda he was able to spend many subsequent holidays home in New Zealand with family and friends and to finally take a trip home with both his girls.

Donald was predeceased by his wife Virginia, his parents Marion and Raymond “Red” MacGillivray, many friends over the years, and several beloved dogs.

Donald is survived by his brother Greg, sister Lynda, daughters Mary and Niki, Virginia’s children Mysha and Rob, several grandchildren and grand-pets, and his final furry companion, Jack.

A celebration of life will be held at Don's house in Maricopa on Saturday, June 13th starting at 1pm.

For Don's New Zealand family & friends: everyone is welcome to join Lynda & Greg for a celebration of Don's life at Lynda's house in Huapai on 4th July, time to be confirmed.