Harry Macdonald

Harry MacDonald passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles, California on May 23, 2013. He was born in Los Angeles, California on March 30, 1920, to John and Marie MacDonald. He is survived by his wife Della. Harry launched his professional career in architecture while he was still a student in high school, when he sold his first set of house plans to a builder for $15. His association with USC began during those same years: His drafting teacher and mentor was a graduate of the USC School of Architecture. He credited USC with giving him the education and training he needed to become a successful and prosperous architect. In return, the MacDonalds have contributed nearly $4 million over the past 10 years to USC and the School of Architecture. In honor of the MacDonalds’ long history of giving, the school established the Harry and Della MacDonald Dean’s Chair in Architecture. Harry designed public school buildings for two years before being offered a partnership in a firm renamed Denman & MacDonald. In 1957, with the support of Della, he became its head, and five years later incorporated the firm under the name Harry T. MacDonald and Associates. Although he also designed buildings for government and industry, he continued to specialize in public school buildings until his retirement in 1986. There will be a public visitation for Harry MacDonald held at Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Mortuary and Memorial Park chapel, 1218 Glendon Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024, on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. Interment will be private.