Gerald W. McDonald

Gerald W. McDonald Commander USN (Ret) Gerald (Jerry) W. McDonald, of Valdez, Alaska, unexpectedly passed away November 4, 2010, while in Denver, Colorado. Jerry is survived by Suzy, his wife of 44 years; son Christopher and spouse Jill; three grandchildren Conner, Paige, Tucker; and his mother Virginia McDonald of Gering, Nebraska. He is predeceased by his father, Donald McDonald and brother, Larry McDonald. Jerry was born on January 20, 1942 in Redondo Beach, California. Jerry was raised in Morrill and Mitchell, Nebraska until the family moved to Arvada, Colorado, where he graduated from High School in 1960. He graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. in Biological Science. He served his country as a United States Naval Officer from January 1967 to November of 1988. He was a helicopter pilot serving a tour in Vietnam, several tours in San Diego, England and Connecticut. His final tour in the Navy was that of Naval Attaché' to Israel, and then retiring to San Diego, California. In 1994 he moved to Valdez, Alaska managing an oil spill response contract and enjoying the wonders and fishing of Alaska. His greatest joy was when his son moved to Valdez to live and start his family. Jerry enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed. Jerry will be buried with military honors at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, in Denver Colorado on Friday, November 19, 2010 at 12:30 p.m.. Memorial Service and reception will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 5303 East County Line Road (one block to the west of Holly Street), in Centennial, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations to Autism Speaks at www.autismspeaks.org or Wounded Warriors Project at www.woundedwarriorsproject.org. Please share your memories of Jerry and condolences with his family by selecting the ""sign guestbook"" button below.