Forrest McDonald

So sorry to hear of Professor McDonald's passing. He was one of my favorite professors of all time and helped to stoke my love of history as well as my interest in government and politics, which has become my life's work. Thank you so much for your willingness to challenge long-held assumptions, for your hard work in pursuing the truth, and for sharing your knowledge and passion with students like me. I am a better human being because of you.

Ellen,

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. McDonald's death. He was one of my favorite professors in undergraduate school, and I certainly counted it a joy to have a "conservative" as one of my first professors, when I wound up with so many liberals, especially after getting into law school! God bless you and the entire family at this difficult time.

Forrest guided me through my PhD work at Wayne State University in Detroit during the early 70's. He was the best teacher and mentor I ever had. But he was also an amazingly generous and insightful good friend. He and Ellen never failed to provide intellectual,emotional and moral encouragement whenever needed. My life has been considerably enriched because of Forest. I am forever indebted.

Forrest was a remarkable and truly distinguished historian. My condolences to Ellen and the entire family.

I have a story about Professor McDonald and Mrs. McDonald which is probably not unique. In 1981 I read his biography of Alexander Hamilton. I wrote to tell him I had enjoyed it and received a very nice reply from Mrs. McDonald in which she enclosed an article her husband had written.

So many people must have had their lives touched to a far greater degree by Professor McDonald, but that was enough for me.

I met your son Kevin in 1975 where he was friendly with my twin brother Dan. I have read you for 4 decades and was able to meet you at the Library of Congress about a decade ago. Thank you for your provocative scholarship, your humanity, and your patriotism.

Dad, you have influenced me and shaped my life in more ways than I could ever say. You taught me how to write, how to think, how to plant a tree so it would grow. You taught me about music, the blues, history, and how to dance to Benny Goodman's "Sing Sing Sing." You taught me to make lemonade out of lemons. You live on in me and Ian, who loved you also so much. Love, your Monkeyshine

You only knew me as Lenore's Mom, but I was blessed to know you as her adored professor--she always listened to Your advice! Rest in peace, Dr. McDonald!