Walter A. McDonald, Jr.

COLUMBIA, NH-- Mr. Walter A. McDonald, Jr., 61, of Columbia, NH, passed away at his home on Sunday morning, February 7, 2010, surrounded by his friends and family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Cambridge, Mass., on August 6, 1948, a son of the late Walter A. McDonald, Sr., and Gladys (Atwood) McDonald. He served with honor in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era, and he had been a disabled veteran since 1971. While stationed in Missouri, he married his wife, Joyce Schrader, on July 31, 1970. They lived in Illinois and began to raise their family until moving to Coaticook, Québec, in 1990. At that time, Walter went back to school and earned a degree in sociology. A true outdoorsman, Mr. McDonald loved to fish and camp. He also enjoyed his time taking care of his home and field, spending many hours mowing. Walter was also very active in his Native American cultural heritage with the Micmac tribe. He was a member of the Micmac Council in Illinois while living there, and he ran many of their midwestern Pow-wows. After he moved to Columbia, NH, Walt worked many odd jobs in his semi-retirement in the local area. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans. Mr. McDonald leaves behind his daughter, Jennifer McAlister and husband Justin, of South Paris, Me.; a son, Matthew McDonald and wife Julia of Clearwater, Fl.; two sisters, Dolly Kilbreth and husband, Kim, of Wareham, Mass., and Paula Carroll and husband, Patrick, of Brockton, Mass.; four brothers, Ralph McDonald and wife Beverly of Coaticook, Que., Michael McDonald and wife Carol of Rockland, Mass., Patrick McDonald and wife Patricia of Rockland, and Kevin McDonald and partner Alyce Lewis of Columbia, NH; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 33 years, Joyce McDonald in 2004, and a brother, Dennis. Memorial calling hours and a service will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010, from 2-4 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. Interment with military honors will occur at the national cemetery at Otis Air Force Base in Bourne, Mass. in the spring. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. McDonald may be made to The Weber Foundation of Helping Hands—Freedom Fund, online at www.theweberfoundation.com, or by mail to P.O. Box 760863, Melrose, MA 02176. This fund is 100% dedicated to helping veterans in need. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Walter A. McDonald, Jr.

August 6, 1948 - February 7, 2010