William Richard McDonald

William R. McDonald, an avid explorer and lover of Colorado who practiced law in the state for more than 50 years, passed away on June 8, 2024, at a care facility in Englewood. He was 89.

Bill, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Lansing, Michigan on January 31, 1935, the second son of Raully McDonald and Micha McNeill. Growing up in tough times, his family moved widely about the Eastern United States through the Second World War. Eventually making a home in Illinois, Bill graduated from Illinois College and then from the University of Illinois Law School in Champaign-Urbana. Bill remembered fondly his time in Champaign and especially his work during summers at the University, including at its library. Bill enlisted with the Army National Guard while in law school, a commitment he renewed until 1965. 

Following law school, Bill was admitted to the Illinois Bar in May 1962. But he was not long for the Midwest, as a summer job at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado drew him to the state for the rest of his life. Living meagerly at first, including spending a summer in a cave in Rocky Mountain National Park, Bill found work for the Internal Revenue Service and eventually was admitted to the Colorado Bar in 1969. 

From that point, Bill practiced law in Denver for more than 50 years, the majority of time with his own practice focused on probate, estate, wills and trusts. Bill cared deeply for his clients and worked hard to represent them, leading to some of his closest friendships.

But it was his family that always remained his first priority, and Bill raised four children and shared with them his passion for skiing, hiking, walking, gardening, and evenings outside in the summer. Bill is survived by his wife, four children, and six grandchildren. 

Bill will be remembered with a service at Rocky Mountain National Park during the weekend of September 14-15, 2024. If you wish to contribute to his memory, please consider a donation to the Illinois College Fund at his alma mater, as Bill always believed the school had given him an opportunity that changed his life. He will be missed but remembered for his warm smile and chuckle, sense of humor, and care he always showed for others. 

For information on the memorial service, please contact Kathy at 720-999-8629.