Obituary of Dawson Samuel MacDonald

A farewell ceremony is planned for Dawson S. Mac Donald who passed away peacefully at his Santa Cruz home. Born in Pasadena, California, he was 91 years old. "Mac" as he was affectionately known, was a true gentleman, and a constant body in motion. He was very proud of his recent book, 89 and Counting that was published and sold in local book stores. Mac was born in Pasadena and raised there. He attended Elliott High School and Pasadena Junior College. Mac then served his country in the US Navy from 1940 to 1946 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. He enrolled in Preflight School at the University of Iowa and then returned to sea. Mac moved to Santa Cruz in 1950 and worked for many years as a milk man with Borden Dairy. His other careers included working with General Motors in their Cadillac Motor Car Division, and for more than 25 years was the Kirby Vacuum Cleaner representative in Santa Cruz. Mac was an accomplished bowler and familiar face at the Surf Bowl in Santa Cruz where he also was the resident pro bowling instructor. Mac and his late wife Margie will forever be remembered for their annual Christmas decorations at their home with snow, lights, and Mac performing in the evening as Santa. The couple were recognized over many holiday seasons in the Santa Cruz Sentinel's annual competition for the best decorated home. Mac was a member of the VFW, American legion, native Sons of the Golden West, and the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge. He is survived by his sons, Richard and Chuck MacDonald; his daughters, Connie Lee Holms, Pamela Phillips, and his step-daughter, Pamela Williams. Mac also leaves eight grandchildren, many loving great grandchildren, and extended loving family including his companion and friend, Sandra Mangine. He was preceded in death by his wife Margie MacDonald in 1988, and his son Curtis MacDonald in 1964. A Memorial Service will be held for Dawson "Mac" MacDonald on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Posse, "Posse House", 2127 Ocean St. Ext. Santa Cruz, Ca 95060 from 2 - 6 pm. All are welcome to attend. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to share your reflections online with his family. Any kind acts of charity can be made to the Veterans Services Office, 842 Front St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060, in his memory.