Obituary of Robert T. MacDonald

Robert Thomas (Bob) MacDonald passed away on June 24 in Tacoma. Bob was born on June 15, 1922 in Washington, D.C. the oldest son of Alexander and Ella MacDonald. Bob was raised in Seattle, graduated from Franklin High School and attended the University of Washington. Bob proudly served with the U.S. Army as a member of Merrill’s Marauders in Burma during World War II. He was awarded both the Silver Star and Purple Heart. While in the service, Bob married Alice Sokolich in 1944. Following the war, he and Alice started their family. He worked for Ford Motor Company and owned a Ford dealership in Monroe. Track and field athletes and coaches came to know Bob as a meet official, primarily at UW events. He was selected to serve in the same capacity at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Alice in 2004, his twin sister Mary and younger brother Donald. He is survived by son Tom MacDonald of Novato, California, and daughter Denise MacDonald of Steilacoom, WA, and his younger sister, Jean Vogele of Apache Junction, Arizona. The family suggests that donations be made to the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 407, 5604 – 75th St. W., Lakewood, WA 984999; or the charity of your choice. Service with military honors to be held 11:30AM Tuesday, 6/30 at Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 240th St., Kent, WA 98042. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008.