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Donald McLagan Obituary

McLagan, Donald
Donald B. "Mr. Mac" McLagan, 95, of Waycross died Wednesday morning (Feb. 20, 2013) at his residence after an extended illness. He was born, July 4, 1917 to Donald and Emily Podolak McLagan and grew up in the Bronx, NY. Mr. McLagan married Mary Alice Truran on May 14, 1942 and then entered the service where he served as a Captain in WWII in the Army Air Corps. He graduated from White Plains High School and Colgate University in Hamilton, NY and obtained his masters degree and worked on his doctorate at New York University. "Mr. Mac" began his teaching career at Brewster High School in 1941 as a high school English teacher and retired in 1974 afetr 33 years. He was very involved in student plays and productions and started a school newspaper known as "The Bear Facts". He was also the organizer of the Hot Dog Wagon which sold refreshments at football games to raise money for student activities. He was a member of the Brewster United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school and for many years he was the Sunday School Superintendant.. He became a lay preacher for the church and was a longtime member of the church choir. When they moved to Waycross in 1975 they became involved in Trinity United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir and taught the Charles Wesley Sunday School class. He was a member of the Waycross Lions Club. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Alice Truran McLagan in 2003; one grandson, Peter John O'Steen; one great-granddaughter, Sutton Joy Hazzard; one great grandson, Riley Mason White. Survivors include three daughters, Donna Hazzard and her husband Richard of Patterson, NY, Dr. Carol McLagan of Waycross, GA, Meriliss White and her husband George of Blackshear, GA; six grandchildren, George White, III, Norman White and his wife Lesley, Richard Hazzard, Jr. and his wife Carol, Dr. Timothy Hazzard and his wife Dr. Kelly Hazzard, Matthew Hazzard, Geoffrey Hazzard and his wife Heather; ten great-grandchildren, Justen, Harley, Greer, Sloane Alexa, Mikayla, Justin, Kiera, Dillan and Joshua A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 2nd at 12:00 p.m. at the Dwyer Funeral Home, 23 South Street, Patterson, NY. Interment will be in Maple Avenue Cemetery, Patterson, NY. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to the service. Contribution in his memory may be made to the Trinity Methodist Church Organ Fund, 1005 Church Street, Waycross, GA or the Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, GA 31501.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Danbury News Times on Feb. 28, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald McLagan

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March 3, 2013

My prayers and good thoughts to the family of my old fellow Brewster Teacher. He was a fine gentleman and a class act.
Phil Gallagher/Bethel, Connecticut.

Virginia (Kilmer) Ward

March 2, 2013

Not only was he a wonderful teacher, but a kind and caring individual who did make an difference to this 1965 BHS graduate. May you, his beloved family, cherish all of the happy memories of him. My condolences to you.

Michael G. Keough

March 1, 2013

I remember numerous Saturdays with Mr. Mac and carrying cases of soda down to the hot dog shack. A great teacher and person.

March 1, 2013

To Donna, Kiki, Meriless, and Families,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your father fondly as a teacher and as a valued member of his community. I hope your memories will sustain you as you remember what a wonderful father he was.
Sincerely,
Judy Heinen Bonner

Jeff Liggio

March 1, 2013

My,my.... what fond memories I have of Mr. Mac! MY condolences and best wishes to your family.

Elizabeth Cilmi

March 1, 2013

Your family has always been there to support and console me and my family. It is times like this when one discovers who friends reallly are. I know I do not have to tell you how I feel regarding your loss. My thoughts, prayers and peaceful wishes are sent to each one of you. My life has been all the better because the Hazzard family has been part of it. Thank you for your unconditional love and understanding since the day we first met. You will remain in my prayers always. Love you more than I can say....... Bib

March 1, 2013

My Deepest Sympathy.Mr.McLagan was a wonderful teacher and person.Sincerely,Joan Dye Dohan

Kathy (Wolf)Castrovinci

March 1, 2013

I was saddened to hear the news of Mr. Mac's passing. He was truly a wonderful teacher and a gentle soul.

Sue Seibel-Burkhart

March 1, 2013

To Donna, Dick and Family....
Donna, I remember the first time that you told me that Mr. McLagan was your father. I just had finished my 11th grade at BHS, when he retired. I thought what a small world, how our family were friends and I had no clue until then. He was a wondeful teacher someone that could hold your interest in English class. He was a wonderful man. I am honored to have been taught by such a great teacher.
On behalf of the Seibel's & Cilmis..
Our Thoughts and Prayer are with you all...

February 28, 2013

Dear Donna,Kiki, and Merillis,
I am very sorry to hear about your Father. He was a very nice man and great teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Janice Terwilliger Arndt

Joan Melnychuk DeCosa

February 28, 2013

Mr. McLagan was a good teacher, a good friend, and a good neighbor at Drewville Heights in the 1960's. My husband Steve and I recently retired after nearly forty years each in teaching, and it was the many fine teachers we had at Brewster H.S. who inspired us to become teachers. Mr. McLagan was outstanding among them. We will always remember him with respect, gratitude, and many fond memories. Steve and I both contributed to "Bear Facts", and we remember his humor, patience, good will, and what a fine role model he was for all of us. Kiki, a special message to you of condolence and remembrance from my sister Phyllis, Steve, and me. Over the years, we have ALWAYS thought of you, and Mr. McLagan every time we hear "MOON RIVER".
You can be so proud of your dad. We are grateful for having known him.
With warmest regards,
Joan (Melnychuk) DeCosa
Oswego, NY 28 Feb. 2013

Susan Nitschke-McAvoy

February 28, 2013

Mr. Mac was one of my favorite teachers. He had a special way of reaching his students. He is in my prayers as are all of you.

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