Obituary of Melvin Joseph McDonald

Melvin Joseph “Mac” McDonald, 83, passed away October 9, 2018 in Olympia, Washington, at his home of 57 years.  He was born January 31, 1935 to Maurice and Evelyn (Philbrook) McDonald in Freedom, Maine.

Melvin served in the U.S. Army (1953-1954). After his training, he went to Aircraft Maintenance School in Chester Pennsylvania.  While there, he spent time in the hospital where he met a nurse by the name of Sharon Leithauser, who became his wife of 59 years.  Melvin received orders for Fort Lewis, Washington, where he worked for 35 years in the Civil Service as a helicopter mechanic and eventually as a supervisor of a crew of over 50 mechanics.  In 1971, he was certified as a flight instructor and, in 1973, was certified as a commercial pilot for airplane – single engine land and sea.  He kept up his certifications for mechanic and pilot through 2010.  

Melvin loved flying and began building his own plane in 1983, a Rutan Long EZ. He completed this project and was flying his plane by 1992.  He was also a member of Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). In 1992, he also began working for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources Aviation Unit where he finished out his working days.

Melvin was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.  He is survived by his wife, Sharon Marie (Leithauser) McDonald; son, Robert Joseph McDonald, and wife, Stephanie McDonald; daughter, Beth Ann Darin, and husband, Kevin Darin; grandchildren, Amy, Derek, Spencer, and Missy; and great grandchild, Julian.