Robert Lee MacDonald

Robert Lee MacDonald was born on May 8th, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, to Helen and Carl MacDonald. Bob was a loving husband of 57 years to Shirley (née Parker), the father of Douglas and Bruce (Colleen), Gramps to Ryan (Melissa), Matthew (Trudy), Patrick, and Meghan (Kory), and proud “Papa Mac” to Colton, Faith, Myles, and Paisley. He was a dear, big brother to Karen Buhl, Jerryne Danforth, and Jean Chall. He was a beloved uncle, father figure, and mentor to many and a friend to everyone he met.
Bob proudly served in the United States Navy as a machinist mate first class aboard the U.S.S. Montrose in Korea. He worked for Patterson Dental for over 40 years, where he met many lifelong friends. He moved his family to Livonia in the mid 60’s and, after losing Shirley, moved to Pinckney, where he spent his remaining years at “Gramp’s Getaway” living his dream on Baseline Lake and enjoying time with his grandkids and great-grandkids.
He liked to ice skate, golf, tinker in his garage, and sip coffee on the deck overlooking the lake. He will always be remembered for his generous heart, adventurous spirit, and famous oatmeal lace cookies.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, his son Douglas, his sister Jean, and his grandson Patrick. He completed his journey on March 31, 2026, after 96 years of life lived to the fullest.
There will be no funeral service at this time. A celebration of Bob's life is being planned for a later date and will be shared in the comments when details are available.
In place of flowers, donations can be made to St. Croix Hospice or the Livingston County Animal Shelter.