Garey McDonald

What an adventure to have lived life with him!!! Garey Nelson McDonald, age 73, going on forever young, passed away on the palindrome, ambigram 12022021. He knew we all loved good riddles so he left us on the best one. He was married to his bride of 50 years, Marge. They have 3 sons and an amazing daughter (in law)!! He joined the army in 1969. He took us on so many adventures during his tours of duty in Germany, Okinawa, Georgia, Massachusetts. Maryland and Texas. He also served in South Korea and Central America. After 20 years he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 2. After retiring from the military we moved to Florida to be close to his Dad. Garey started a family landscaping business. He always wanted to learn new things and continued his education throughout his military career earning an AS in Business Technology, and also when he retired earning an AS in HVACR. He could fix anything, given enough time and a book from the library or a You Tube video. And he encouraged us to help him so we all learned and enjoyed the experience. After he retired he was amazed at the stained glass his daughter (in law) and son Mike made and he began to make the most beautiful pieces. He was most proud of his stained glass angels. We would always stop at churches and places that had stained glass to admire the beauty of the work and to see how each piece was assembled. He loved the mountains, the woods, camping and the beach. He loved life!!! He was a child at heart. Loving and kind. Wonderfully mischievous. He was a quiet soul but what he shared was always amazing!! He was proudest of his sons, his military career, becoming a Warrant Officer and his stained glass angels. He is survived by his wife Margaret Larsson McDonald, his sons Charlie Nelson McDonald, Michael Nelson McDonald, daughter (in law) Amy Thomas McDonald and son Roy Sylvanus McDonald. Also by his brother Gregory McDonald and sister Cheryl Ramsey and many nieces and nephews all of whom were special but he was so proud of his brother Glenn's daughter Lindsay and she held a special place in his heart after his brother passed away. He is on his final deployment and when all is ready he will send for me. A small immediate family service was held, planned by Garey's youngest son, by the fire pit, eating hot dogs and smores and sharing memories as we threw crystal coated pinecones into the fire. A ceremony I am sure Garey loved. His ashes will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be offered at www.haightfuneralhome.com

Garey McDonald

December 2, 2021