Bruce McDonald ’57 died on June 15, 2011, in Brunswick, Maine.
(The following was provided by the Bangor Daily News on June 21, 2011:)
Bruce McDonald passed away unexpectedly on June 15, 2011. Loved by his family, Bowdoin classmates, neighbors, coworkers, and friends, he has been described as a true gentleman, an astute businessman, a gentle father and husband, and a generous volunteer of his time, talent, and personal resources.
Born in Portland, Maine to Vera (Fales) McDonald and Ralph Edmund McDonald, Bruce was the only child. He graduated from Cony High School and Bowdoin College, and belonged to Zeta Psi fraternity. Upon graduation he married Elizabeth (Buff) Wagner Grant of Cape Elizabeth, Maine and then enlisted and served in the Army and the Army Reserves. Over the next three decades Bruce and Buff raised three children together.
Bruce”s professional accomplishments include research work at Shockley Laboratory, as well as a long career in electrical technology, battery manufacturing and marketing with PR Mallory and Duracell. His field of specialization was lithium batteries, which gained him a national reputation. He traveled the world, frequently visiting Asia, the Middle East, Europe, India, and Australia.
After retiring, Bruce was a tireless volunteer with the United Way in Danbury, Connecticut, lending his business acumen while gaining new insights into the world of nonprofits and service organizations. He served as Class Agent for Bowdoin”s Class of ”57, and held leadership positions in the Saugatuck River Power Squadron in Westport, Connecticut and Sprite Island Yacht Club in Norwalk, Connecticut. Back in Maine, Bruce was a well-known face at Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, running the cafeteria cash register several mornings a week and he served on the board of the Pine Grove Cemetery.
Bruce”s musical talents lead him into the world of Barbershop singing. He sang baritone for several years in the award winning Speed Capitol Chorus in Indianapolis and the Wild Cards barbershop quartet. Bruce and Buff”s love of sailing shaped the family”s leisure time over the years.They spent many happy days cruising Long Island Sound and the many inlets and waterways of southern New England with their children and grandchildren.
In later years, he was a tireless and tender caregiver for Buff as she battled Alzheimer”s Disease. And nearly three years after her death, Bruce had once again found love and was in the midst of planning his second wedding.
Bruce is survived by his daughter Jill McDonald, and grandchildren Seth Tremble of Corpus Christi, Texas, Taylor and Kaileigh Tremble of Brewer, Maine; son Brian McDonald, his wife Marianne and grandchildren Cory and Meredith of Norwalk, Connecticut; and son Alan, his wife Beth and grandchildren Ryan and Lauren of Ellicott City, Maryland. He is also survived by his fiance Constance Barker and her family of Brunswick and Orr’s Island; his first cousin, Marion McDonald of Portland; sisters-in-law Patricia Grant Tifft and Alison Grant Small; and several nephews and nieces. Bruce was predeceased by his parents, his wife and is sadly missed by his beloved Scottish terrier, Briar.