Jeff McDonald

Jeff McDonald, age 76, passed away on Thursday, October 11, 2018 peacefully at his home with his wife, Marvina by his side after a courageous battle with Cancer.   Born in Tacoma, WA to Pearl (Wisner) and William McDonald on September 18, 1942 the oldest of three brothers.    After completing school, Jeff joined the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the U.S.S. Los Angeles battle ship, being honorably discharged in 1963.   Following his military duty Jeff worked for McDonnell-Douglas in CA.  He moved back to Yakima and was employed as a machinist for Del Montes in Toppenish for twenty-nine years before retiring in 2004.  Jeff enjoyed retirement and could fully put his talents to work, being an wrought iron artisan and designer, Jeff belonged to the Northwest Blacksmith Association, where he and Marvina enjoyed going to many workshops, meetings, making new friends and seeing new places.  Jeff was a unique designer of cards with hand sketched cartoons characters and great quotes, which brought joy and love to many.  Jeff, Marvina and his brother, Kevin spent many hours exploring rivers panning for gold but never striking the mother lode.  They belonged to the Yakima Prospectors Club, enjoying both the fun and fellowship.  Jeff enjoyed working on his 29 Ford pick-up, with the help of his brother Kim and nephew Tosh the pick-up was completed with a beautiful coat of green paint.  Jeff spent many hours at car shows and made the signature piston award plaques for many events.   Jeff’s shop was like Santa’s work shop, making, repairing, creating and designing for both friends and family. Some of which were name plates for grandkids, gates, lights, a stainless steel  battery box for Jerry’s 56 Chevy.  Jeff was also a mentor, spending many hours teaching his grandchildren to use the equipment.  He made a special Go-Kart for Nick and he and Tosh spent hours tearing around Grandpa’s drive-way.  Jeff enjoyed watching Danica’s in all her sports, sharing grapes with Brenden and Wesson when they visited the farm.  Jeff cherished visits from Emma, Noelle and Char.  In June and July, Jeff enjoyed two weeks with family, friends, finishing off with a great barbecue on July 4th at Darrin and Janine home.  All the visits, phone calls, love and caring make Jeff’s days a little easier. 

Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Marvina of 29 years.  Two sons, Bryan Southards (Debbie) and Mike Southards, one daughter, Kathy Montero (Mike).  Three brothers Mike McDonald (Sherri), Kim McDonald (Patty) and Kevin McDonald (Vicki).  Five grandchildren, Nicholas, Tiffany, Danica, Jeffrey and Breezy.  Eleven great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews including Tosh, Shawn and Michelle, four brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and special friend, Tina Kerbs

Jeff was very kind, helpful, thoughtful, generous, a jokester and a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend that will be missed greatly by all, especially his wife.   At Jeff’s request there will be no formal services.    A special thank you to Dr. Madej, Geri Catton, North Star Lodge, Dr. Fernandez, Dr. Kattaya and Heartlink’s Hospice and Palliative Care, specially Sarah and Elise.

 Those wishing to sign Jeff’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com  Smith Funeral Home in care of arrangements

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