Obituary of John Alan MacDonald
A private committal is planned for long time Santa Cruz resident John MacDonald who passed away here following a lengthy illness. Born in San Francisco, his father served as Lt. Col in the US Air Force which meant John resided in many parts of the country growing up. He was raised in Spokane and graduated from Cooper High School in Abilene Texas. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Sonoma State University and joined the US Navy where he was selected to Naval Flight training as a prospective Naval Flight Officer. Shortly thereafter, he was honorably discharged after sustaining an injury. He then relocated to California and began working for United Parcel Service first as a clerk, then driver, and retired as supervisor following a career spanning 30 years with UPS.
John was an accomplished swimmer and diver. He enjoyed spear fishing, scuba diving, free diving for abalone on the California Coast and lobster along the Channel Islands. Fond memories will be shared of teaching his children how to swim and be safe free divers, and his involvement as a swim instructor at Cabrillo College for many years. John also volunteered his time as a swimming instructor at the Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Boys and Girls Clubs, and was a member of the Santa Cruz Sea Urchins Dive Club. In his later years, John was an avid golfer and member of US Golf Association where he volunteered his time as a golf course marshal at Seascape as well as many premier courses including The AT &T, Spanish Bay and Pasatiempo.
His talents at story telling were remarkable. Up until his final days, John wove together detailed tales with color analysis; recalling events from 50 years ago with absolute clarity. His family will forever cherish the memory of his gifts that he enjoyed sharing with others.
He is survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law Michael and Marisa MacDonald and Richard and Melody MacDonald, his beloved granddaughter;Taylor, and his grandsons; Sean, Jordan, and Nathan MacDonald; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerry and Linda MacDonald, Philip and Joann MacDonald. John also leaves his sister-in-law Lori MacDonald, his nieces Heather, Rachel, Elise, his nephew Kevin, and their families, along with many loving extended members of the MacDonald and Curtis families. John was preceded in death by his brother David, his father Lt. Col. Donald MacDonald USAF, his mother Lois MacDonald Curtis, and his stepfather, Bob Curtis.
A kind act of charity can be made in his memory to the Salvation Army
