Robert James McDonald

Robert James McDonald was born to James and Mary “Louise” (Darby) McDonald on December 2, 1921 in Yakima, Washington. Bob grew up on a farm in the Lower Ahtanum, went to Yakima schools and graduated in 1940. After graduation he went to Perry trade school and learned the skill of welding which lead to employment at the shipyards in Tacoma during World War II. Bob wed Mary McCotter, in 1942. In 1943 they started a family and he farmed in Lower Valley until moving to Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Bob began a small dairy farm and logged in Bonners Ferry, but too many floods moved the family to the desert country of the Tri Cities, in 1956.

Bob worked at Western Materials. He supported Mary in owning Zips Drive-In in Richland from 1962-1978. He continued farming alfalfa in Richland and Prosser until he retired.

Bob loved camping, hunting of all kinds, fishing, sports, and traveling to Mexico, Central America and Brazil. Adios!

Robert James McDonald is survived by his wife, Mary, of 71 years, his sister Abe and Marian (McDonald) Gonzales, his children Bill and Carolyn (McDonald) Bellis, Steve and Susan McDonald, Jules and Delores (McDonald) Werner, 5 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

A celebration for family and friends will be held at Tahoma Cemetery, 1802 Tahoma Ave. Yakima, WA, on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 1pm. A gathering will follow the service at the Rainier Memorial Reception Center, 2807 Terrace Heights Road, Yakima, WA. Please sign the online guest book at www.keithandkeith.com.