JOSEPH D. MACDONALD, BANCROFT – Surrounded by his loved ones, the Lord welcomed home his loving servant Joseph D. MacDonald, age 83, on Saturday, October 13, 2018, in Bancroft, Maine.
Joseph was born in Presque Isle, Maine on February 6, 1935, the son of Joseph C. and Evelyn H. (Morse) MacDonald. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Lawrence A. MacDonald.
Joseph attended school in Wytopitlock. After serving four years in the U.S. Air Force, he completed an apprentice program at Bath Ironworks. He went on to graduate with highest honors from UMO with a B.S. in electrical engineering and earn his master’s degree in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. After working for many years at General Electric and Westinghouse as a manager of power transformer design, he worked as an independent consultant until the age of 80.
His wife of 55 years, Sandra (Fitzpatrick) MacDonald; his daughter Suzanne McKegney of Burlington, Vermont, and daughter Carrie Strauch and her husband Kurt of Dresden, Maine survive him. His greatest treasures were his grandchildren: Sarah Strauch, Lillian Strauch, Hunter Strauch, Elizabeth McKegney and Kathryn McKegney. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews: Robin Dow, Evelyn MacDonald, Dwight MacDonald, Scott MacDonald, and Glenn MacDonald.
Joseph was a true naturalist who delighted in the beauty of the outdoors. He found great joy in walking the woods, hunting, fishing, and birding. His desire to learn about the environment was insatiable, and he brought the mind of a scientist to this work: identifying, cataloging, and documenting plants and wildlife. Perhaps most importantly, he translated this passion into action by employing sustainable logging practices and advocated for an approach to land management that fostered and protected habitat diversity.
There will be calling hours from 6-8 pm at Bartlett Funeral Home in Danforth, Maine on Friday, October 19th. There will be a memorial service at the Hodgdon United Baptist Church, on Saturday at 11 am. A private burial will be held at Trout Brook Cemetery in Weston following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the East Grand Health Center, Hodgdon United Baptist Church, or a charity of your choice.
