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Michael J. MacDonald
May 26,1942-March 13, 2024.
Michael J. MacDonald, a lifelong enthusiast of ALL THINGS DETROIT, died in Jacksonville, Florida on March 13th of cardiac complications. Know as Mike, Mac and "Moke" (to his Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity brothers), his wit and generosity were immeasurable. He was 81
Born in Detroit, Michael attended St. Joan of Arc School, Parcells Middle School and Grosse Pointe High School. He continued his education at Michigan State University and Wayne State University. While a student at Michigan State, he began a lifelong relationship with Ann Warren MacDonald. They were married 57 years. Ann once commented that she knew Mike was "the one" when his mother related a family remembrance. At age 14, along with brother John, 18, the teens purchased a washer and dryer for Mom's birthday. The cash needed for the purchase came from paper route and first job funds. Ann stated the MacDonalds were the kindest, most generous and funniest people on the planet and they mastered the art of the loving tease. Michael loved his family and friends. Success was an afterthought. These qualities followed Mike for life.
Michael began his career while a graduate student at Wayne State. He was head of Science Purchasing and often stated that buying frogs was a "big deal". He then moved into sales at Detroit's US Truck Company, Leaseway Transportation and finally American President Companies, Oakland, California.
The culmination of a long career in transportation/Logistics resulted in Artisan Associates Inc. Mike returned to Detroit and joined his two partners in a start up heavy haul logistic firm, domiciled on Joy Rd, Detroit. The three partners were very involved in the Detroit community, establishing ACTION ON JOY RD, supporting the philanthropy of Joy House (Christ Child Society) and the Detroit adjoining neighborhoods. This was a dream of finally establishing a company culture of good business partnerships, along with love for community.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Warren MacDonald; daughter, Katie MacDonald (Brian Wolstone); son, John C. MacDonald; 11 grandsons, Teme MacDonald and Tyler Wolstone, a sister, Sally MacDonald Reyst; brothers, John A. MacDonald (Harriett) and Peter C. MacDonald (Mickey); brother in law, Bill Warren (Chris) and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at St. Peters Episcopal Church, Fernandina Beach, FL, April 27 at 11:00 a.m., reception following in the Osprey Village villas dining room, 48 Osprey Village Dr., Amelia Island, FL 32034. A Detroit reception will be held on May 3, Detroit Athletic Club from 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Kevin'sSong.org, (Mike was a founding member emeritus), 21 Kercheval Ave., Suite 345, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 or St. Peters Church for EYC programs (Youth Ministry), 801 Atlantic Ave. Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/michael-macdonald-obituary?id=54801903
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John E. Jay
Mac was an extraordinary guy who will be missed by a long list of classmates and lifelong friends. He had a unique talent for collecting buddies over the years...always happy with an endless supply of not particularly funny jokes and one liners. It didn't matter we all laughed and finished the lines in unison. He could get away with anything because we all loved him.
His last few years were tough healthwise but he had an amazing caregiver in wife Annie (Warren, class of 61). She kept everything together and made sure our boy was content until the end.
RIP good friend.
JJay
Roma L. Williams (Hess)
So sorry to learn of Mikes passing. He was a delight to be around, and I have many fond memories of our years at Grosse Pointe High. I was also fortunate to have he and Ann briefly as neighbors in the recent past. They were a wonderful couple, and I send my love and prayers to her as she goes forward. Hopefully there will be a grand reunion as so many pass to the other side.
Richard D. Grow
I would like to echo John Jay's comments. Mac was a friend to everyone he met. Good natured to the end. He was a avid sportsman particularly Spartan football and the game of golf. Ray Biggs hosted a men's golf tournament at the all men's Adios Club in Boca frequented by sports celebrities like Dan Marino of the Dolphins. The evening of the first day Mac , Paul sweitzer and others played porker til 4:00 am. His golf suffered a bit but that was Mac.
Following some heart issues he used to power walk around our Shore Club rentals. We hope to make the celebration of life to comfort Annie, Katie (who he loved dearly), He was a great father and husband we,his army of friends ,will miss him but we have 60 years of memories. As he would frequently yell "Go State"
Rick Grow
Alan D. Lang
ALL of the previous comments about MIKE MAC summed him up to a TEE!! Mike and I go back to the second grade!! SHARED many years thru college and even after.
We reconnected 20 years ago in ARIZONA living in same area. He hadn't changed!! Same person forever and he never complained about his troubles. A LOT OF ARIZONA friends before moving to FLORIDA.
ANN was also here and eventually became the great caregiver as MIKE developed more serious health problems. We had many visits and with both, many laughs OF COURSE!
You'll be missed by ANN, FAMILY and ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS. RIP---AL LANG
PS--THE MAC PHOTO IS VERY GOOD AND SURE CAPTURES MAC !