Russell Howland McDonald, 89, of Grand Blanc passed away peacefully and comfortably at his home on Friday, January 14, 2022 with his son and daughter at his side. Russell was born on September 29, 1932 to William and Harriet McDonald at his grandfather’s home in Bloomfield Hills. He grew up on the family farm on Pontiac Lake in White Lake Township. He was a tough and fair, loving, sweet man who never lost that farmer’s hard work ethic and always had a smile and a story to tell.
Russell graduated from Milford High School in 1950 and soon after was drafted to serve the United States Army in the Korean War from 1951 - 1953. He was a Staff Sergeant in the Heavy Motor Company 223rd Infantry, 40th Infantry Division. He received the Korean Service Medal, Bronze Service Star, Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.
After returning home from Korea, he worked for General Motors in Pontiac. He married Eva Nicholas in late December 1957. They moved to Southern California in the early 1960’s, but returned to Michigan after a several years. It was at this time Russell started and operated his own excavation business for the next 34 years finally retiring at age 70.
He and and Eva (who was Greek) traveled to Athens, Greece in January 1972 spending many months there as they visited foster homes in hopes of adopting a child. When they left Greece they adopted not one, but two children, an 8 month old boy, (Christopher), and a 5 month old girl, (Nicole) and provided them a life they may not have ever known had they remained in Greece.
Russell was an extremely kind, loving, gentle man. He lived his life the right way, took care of his family, and set a great example for his children and those that knew him. This was never more evident than from the 10 years he was caretaker for his wife, Eva, as her health declined and she eventually passed away.
He then spent the next remaining 18 years of his life with family and friends, traveled, gardened, read, enjoyed woodworking, went bowling almost every Sunday, and up to his 88th birthday was still out riding his motorcycles, despite losing sight in one eye a few years earlier. In his late 70’s and early 80’s he beat colon cancer, prostate cancer, and survived a massive heart attack. But this past year having lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis was just too much for him as he rapidly declined, especially the few weeks leading to his passing. He was from a great generation, who did great things. He was a great husband and father. He was just simply, a great man.
Russell is survived by his son, Christopher McDonald (Jennifer), and their children, Andrew, Christian, and Eva; his daughter, Nicole Taylor (Wayne) and their children, Holden and Jacob, many nieces, nephews, brother and sister in-laws, and several close friends. Russell was predeceased by his wife, Eva, his parents, William and Harriet, his siblings, Sidney, William, Nellie and Rueben and many lifelong friends and close family members.
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 24th at Hill Funeral Home, 11723 S. Saginaw, Grand Blanc beginning at 11:00am with a service to celebrate his life starting at 1:00pm. Interment following with chapel service and military honors at Ottawa Park Cemetery in Clarkston.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillfh.com for the McDonald family.
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