Roderick William McDonald
4/9/1945 - 1/17/2015
Resident of San Jose
Rod passed away peacefully at home in San Jose on Saturday, Jan. 17 at the age of 69. He was born to Norton Lee McDonald and Helen Kimbro McDonald in Jacksonville, FL. Norton was in the military and Rod spent his early childhood in Japan, upstate New York and Panama. His family returned to Lakewood, Washington where Rod went to middle school and to Cloverpark High School, graduating in 1963. Rod then attended Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington graduating in 1967. He was honored for his basketball success and inducted into the Whitworth University Heritage Hall of Fame. Also, In 1967 he was honored as a NAIA All American. Following an honorable discharge from the US Army, Rod was drafted by the ABA Utah Stars where he played professional basketball from 1970-1973. He was quickly nicknamed "The Rocket" by his teammates and proudly wore #14 jersey as a member of the 1971 Utah Stars ABA championship Team.
He met his beloved JoEden and they married in 1971. After 6 years in Utah, they moved to San Jose and raised their daughter Ann and son David. Rod's career besides basket was in the hotel and transportation industries.
Rod was a devoted family man. His greatest pleasure in life was spending time with his family. He looked forward to annual summer trips to San Jose Family Camp where bridge and gin rummy were played and books were read by the river. Rod enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting activities and was often at the baseball field or at a water polo game proudly watching them play.
He was a dedicated husband, cherished father, best grandpa, loving brother, caring uncle and loyal friend. He will be deeply, deeply missed and always lovingly remembered.
Rod is survived by his wife of 43 years JoEden, his daughter Ann (Rich), son David (Rachel), grandchildren Zach, Paige, Alec, and Porter, brother Fred (Karen), sister in law Debbie and his nieces and nephews Marne, Josh, Matt, Lauren, and Kate as well as his "favorite dog" Romeo who loved nothing more than to climb onto his lap and snore.
Private family services are being arranged. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Whitworth University Athletics, 300 W. Hawthorne Rd, Spokane, WA 99251 or Christopher High Water Polo 850 Day Road, Gilroy, CA 95020 or any charity of your choice.

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Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Jan. 25, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Roderick McDonald

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8 Entries

K Wilhite

March 23, 2015

When I was a kid growing up in Salt Lake City I was a Rod McDonald fan when he played for the Stars. When I would play nerf basketball with my brother in the kitchen I was Rod McDonald. I actually still have his Utah Star poster hanging at my parents house to this day. I have downloaded a bunch of Utah Stars pictures on my computer and when I log in it alternates between pictures of players on my desktop.Today it was Rod. Then I googled to see what was up and found he had passed away. I'm sorry for your loss. I was hoping that I would find some good news and I did by finding he was a great man.

Barry Crust

March 2, 2015

Rod and I were friends since the 6th grade. We were teammates on the Clover Park basketball team 1961-1963. As I returned to Hudtloff JHS to teach and coach from 1967-2010, I always began my coaching seasons by telling the "Rod McDonald" story of perseverance to my athletes. Rod did not make the basketball team at Hudtloff, but because of hard work and determination, he developed in high school to be a star forward; and then a Little All- American player at Whitworth; then a professional player for the Utah Stars. Countless athletes took this story to heart and eventually developed into good players. Rod, certainly, influenced many, many student/athletes--probably without realizing it. I hope the McDonald family finds solace and pride in this influence that "The Rodda" had in the Clover Park District family.

Jan Parzybok

March 2, 2015

I knew Rod as another guy in the dorm. He never passed me without a handshake and a smile. Great, loving, kind man.

katy weeks

January 30, 2015

Such a beautiful tribute to a loved man. So sorry for the loss of a great man with a wonderful family. You guys are all in my thoughts.

January 29, 2015

Dear McDonald Family,
It was a real shocker for me to hear the news of my good old friend Rod leaving this world of ours. It brought tears to my eyes because I have never really taken the time to visit my friend throughout all of these years. It is always so easy to say, “I will do that later!” Now it is too late.
Rod was a good high school and collegiate friend. With his great determination and drive to achieve success in the sport of basketball and life he has been an inspiration to me and I am sure to many others. As a basketball coach for many years I have often used his story to attempt to inspire other youngsters to work harder to achieve the success that Rod was able to achieve.

Despite his passing away, reading the obituary made me happy to hear that he had such a wonderful wife and family and that he enjoyed his time with his many grandchildren. Our sympathies to JoEden and the McDonald Family!
Sincerely
Denny and Elfriede Lemmon

David Rhodes

January 29, 2015

I was a teammate of Rod's at Whitworth. His amazing talent with the basketball inspired me to try and improve my game. As an assistant coach he was very generous with advice and encouragement. His friendship and kindness extended off the court as well.
I viewed him as a role model in many ways.
My condolences to his family on their great loss.

January 24, 2015

Was so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending my sympathy and thoughts to the whole family. Char Slater (Karen's sister)

Louie & Nancy Rougutt

January 24, 2015

Please know your family is in our loving thoughts & prayers at this difficult time! May the beautiful memories you have help warm your heart & ease the grief each of you is feeling!
Our Deepest Sympathy...

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