Richard C McDonald

Richard C. McDonald, 87, of Port Huron, passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2023, with his loving wife Diane by his side.

He was born May 17, 1936, in Port Huron, son of the late Meritt “Doc” and Elsie Jokie McDonald. He married Diane McKenna on November 24, 1956.

Rich was a 1954 graduate of Port Huron High School, and a 1956 graduate of Port Huron Junior College with a degree in accounting. He was a case worker for the State of Michigan Department of Social Services, retiring in 1997.

Rich was a consummate athlete, inducted into the Port Huron Sports Hall of Fame on three occasions, twice as a player and once as a coach. Rich was inducted in 1979 with the 1960 Shoffners Fastpitch Softball team, inducted in 1988 with the 1956 Skidgies Bar Fastpitch Softball team and inducted in 2005 as coach of the 1971 Star Oilers Squirt Hockey team. Rich won two state titles in the Port Huron fast-pitch softball league. He was the first coach of a Port Huron hockey team to win a Silver Stick tournament in the Squirts division, coaching both his sons to championships (1971, 1975). He coached numerous Babe Ruth baseball teams and Port Huron senior hockey leagues to championships.

Rich was a past member of The Elks Lodge #343, where he enjoyed socializing with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Diane; two sons, Paul (Catherine) McDonald and David (Nancy) McDonald; three grandchildren, Darrin (Ralene) McDonald, Ryan (Nicholle) McDonald, and Megan McDonald; and five great-grandchildren, Cade, Emi, Ayla, Kinlee and Avalyn; a sister, Janet (Larry) Keef; a special nephew, Gerald (Karen) Burns; and sister-in-law, Cheryl (Harry) Tughan; along with many nieces and nephews. Rich was preceded in death by his daughter, Pamela McDonald Morse; his parents, Elsie and Doc McDonald; and a sister, Meredith Szostek.

Rich will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be remembered for his compassion, hard work, sense of humor, generosity, stories, and his love of family.

Per Rich’s request, there will be no service. Family will receive friends from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the Port Huron Elks Lodge for all who would like to stop by and share memories of him and enjoy a nice cold beer.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made in Rich’s name to Blue Water Hospice.

Arrangements are by Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com.