Clifford G. McDonald

Clifford Gerald McDonald age 89 a lifelong resident of Sunnyside, WA passed away Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at his home in Sunnyside, WA. Cliff was born April 2, 1928 at his parents’ home in Greenvalley, WA the son of Gerald and Dora (Carty) McDonald. Cliff received his education in Sunnyside starting at Denny Blaine School and finishing at the Sunnyside High School with the graduating class of 1946.  Cliff joined the Coast guard after High School. Upon returning from the Coast Guard he met Pat VanBelle on a blind date. They were married two years later.  Cliff and Pat were married for sixty seven years.  Cliff enjoyed all outdoor activities. He was active in all sports in school; football, baseball and basketball, with football being his favorite.  Cliff worked for the local telephone company for thirty four years. He started when the company was known as Oregon-Washington Telephone CO.  Cliff enjoyed hunting, fishing and family activities. He had spent several elk hunting seasons in Idaho with his dad and friends. Cliff’s grandchildren and great grandchildren all called him “Gramps”, he was their #1 fan, he was always there to cheer them on at all school activities and sporting events.

Cliff is survived by his wife Pat McDonald of Sunnyside, WA, daughter Sharon McDonald of Maine, two granddaughters Gretchen Palomarez (David) and Megan Newbury (Tim) all of Sunnyside, WA. He is also survived by six great grandchildren Anthony, D.J., Samantha, Nick, Tayler and Nate, two great great grandsons Elijah and A.J. and one brother-in-law Don VanBelle (Lillian) of San Diego, CA. Cliff is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Debra McDonald, brother Myron McDonald and sister Margaret Rawlings.

A Celebration of Life “Open House” will be held Tuesday, June 27, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  at the Snipes Mountain Brewery in Sunnyside, WA. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Sunnyside Fire Department or Sunnyside Presbyterian Church. Those wishing to sign Cliff’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com  Smith Funeral Home in care of arrangements. 

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