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Duncan McDonald Obituary
1928~2020
Holladay, UT-Duncan K. McDonald, M.D., 91, prominent Salt Lake City Ophthalmologist, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2020.
Doctor McDonald was born October 13, 1928, in White Plains, New York, the son of Beatrice Johnson and H. Stewart McDonald, Jr. He spent his early life in New York and Washington, D.C.
Doctor McDonald earned his undergraduate degree from Williams College, Williamstown, MA., in 1950. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 to 1956, as a Second Lieutenant in the 444th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Charleston, South Carolina. He earned his M.D. from George Washington University, Washington, D.C., in 1960. He completed his residency in Ophthalmology at Northwestern University, Chicago, Ill., in 1965.
Doctor McDonald began his medical career in Salt Lake City in an associate practice with Dr. Dean Spear and Dr. Robert Rees, from 1965 to 1975. He was in private practice from 1975 to 1987. He was a partner in Rocky Mountain Ophthalmology from 1987 to 1996 and an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics from 1996 to 2003.
Doctor McDonald was united in marriage to Sandra Sparks Merino on November 29, 1975, in the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City. He is survived by his adoring wife, his loving sister, Katie (Robert) Meier, as well as several nieces and nephews and countless friends. Doctor McDonald was preceded in death by his parents; sister Nancy (Donald Sr.) Beyer; brother H. Stewart McDonald III and niece Kathy Beyer.
Duncan faithfully communicated with a wealth of dearly-loved friends from childhood and college, the U.S. Air Force and his treasured Quiet Birdmen buddies. He loved to fly, he loved to fish, he loved the practice of medicine, he loved Sandy and he loved life.
There will be no service at the present time but a celebration of the beautiful life of Doctor Duncan "Dunc" McDonald will be held when it is safe to gather.
Memorials may be directed to Best Friends Animals Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Duncan McDonald
Kim Smith
February 12, 2025
I was thinking about Dr. McDonald this evening for some reason, so I did a search and read this sad news. I started seeing him in about 1979/80 when I was 4 or 5 years old, and needed glasses. I remember going to his office across the street from the hospital and the grandfather clock in the waiting room. But mostly, even at that young age, I remember how kind he was. The jolly rancher he´d send me home with after my exam. I´m so sorry for the McDonald family´s profound loss. He was a really, really good man.
Katie
June 23, 2023
Duncan was my beloved and adored big brother!
Doris Spear Klein
November 19, 2021
I used to see him after Dad retired and he was a good and wonderful friend. I also know his wife, Sandy and I think of her often.
Mark Masters
November 18, 2021
So sorry for your loss Sandy. I´m sorry I have been out of touch. He was an amazing person as you are to. My thoughts are with you.
Lynn McShane
October 20, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Judy Dencker
September 5, 2020
Oh Sandy - I was out in front this AM doing what always needs doing this time of year in the yard. Bill and Patty Sargeant were coming back from a morning walk and stopped to say hello.
Bill told me that my "old friend" has passed and I gave him a puzzled look. When he told me that it was Dunc who had passed and pointed towards your house, I was stunned. I am still stunned and my heart aches for you.
Sandy I know how sad Dad and Mom were when you guys moved out of your home on 13th Ave. Together the three of us felt that a cornerstone of the Avenues had left. The camo Blazer was right at home with him. It was always great when I got to catch up with Dunc at the office. Always, always, I was greeted with a huge smile, lots of laughs and catching up on what was happening in the neighborhood.
I watched as both of you tended to Spade so patiently and tenderly with that annoying lick granuloma, and the absence in your hearts when Spade went over the rainbow.
There was the morning I called over to your home at an early hour as I had just accomplished one of those "now what do I do" moments. In a hurry to get ready I did a fine job of gluing a broken fingernail back on with nothing less than Crazy Glue. So of course the next stop for the same finger was to get to a corner of the eye just begging for a little scratch. Yeah, I was crazy over that. Not to fear, the good doctor got it taken care of post haste and I was as good as new. We both laughed.
Duffy went to see Dunc about his blurry vision, and Dunc told him to get his blood sugar tested. Yep - that was news we could have done without, but it certainly got the eyesight matter resolved.
Sandy I loved seeing you both at the office for so many years. And I am so sorry that we eventually drifted away. Please know that you will always remain in my heart - kind wishes for peace in your heart and soul. God bless you friend.
Bret H Lambourne
August 16, 2020
I MET DUNC WHEN I WAS 5 YRS OLD HE SAID HI TO ME BUT I DID'NT RESPOND,AND HE SAID BET YOUR MAMA SAID DON'T TALK TO STRANGERS,SO HE TOLD ME HIS NAME AND THAT STARTED A LIFE LONG FRIENDSHIP.TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO FIND HIM AFTER HE RETIRED BUT TO NO AVAIL.SO MEMORIES OF HIM AND THE BLUE MAX.AND THEN THERE IS THE WONDERFUL LADY IN HIS LIFE SANDY MY HEART AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU.IF POSSIBLE PLEASE KEEP ME INFORMED ABOUT SERVICES.I DON'T KNOW IF THIS HOLE IN MY HEART WILL EVER HEAL.GOD SPEED MY FRIEND WHEREVER YOU END UP IT WILL BE A BETTER PLACE!!!!!
Doris Spear Klein
August 15, 2020
Sandy and family,
My deepest condolences and sympathy to you. You and Duncan are/ was such loving and wonderful friends. I have been thinking of both of you and wish I called earlier to chat with both of you. When the time is right I would like to call and chat with you.
My love to you,
Doris Spear Klein
Doris Spear Klein
August 15, 2020
Dear Sandy and family,
My deepest condolences and sympathy to you. You and Dr. Duncan are/were wonderful loving friends. When the time is right I would love to talk with you.
My love to you,
Lisa Westover
August 12, 2020
Sandra & family I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Duncs passing. He truly was an awesome man. Hugs & prayers to you.
love always Roger & Lisa Westover & family
Roger Jones
August 8, 2020
What a charming adventuresome personality. A trusted clinician and pilot. A source of fascinating and entertaining stories. A richer life to have known Duncan.
Douglas Goldsmith
August 7, 2020
I have such fond memories of all of my conversations with Duncan when the two of you would hang out at my parents home. He told me as I left for grad school that if I could find one mentor then i should consider it a successful program. And he was right! I'll never forget his smile, his laugh, and his delightful stories. On behalf of my family I send you our condolences and hope that your grief will soon be filled with all of your wonderful memories. All the best, Douglas Goldsmith
Caroline Mabey
August 4, 2020
To Sandy and all who love him. Our s thoughts are with you. Duncan was a great and caring man, and like to make everyone laugh a little. Sandy and Duncan were patrons and friends at the flower shop we use to own, and he was also my mother doctor before he retired. He all ways made her fill like family even stopped by to see her after she moved to Vernal. One time when he came in the shop to get flowers for Sandy, my son was there and I introduced him to Duncan. Duncan said to him I am you uncle Dunk, even how we we’re not related. From that moment on he was just our uncle Dunk. He will be missed, Sandy loved knowing you both. Caroline and Mark Mabey.
Bill Sparks
August 3, 2020
I'll never forget Uncle Duncan's laugh. That heartfelt laugh coupled with his warm smile will forever be etched into my memory. He had the ability to brighten anyone's day with that special wink he'd give you after a good laugh. He listened with genuine interest to everything I ever told him and gave the best advice. I will truly miss you Uncle Dunc, until we meet again....
Andrew Reeser
August 2, 2020
Dr. McDonald was my eye Doctor since I was three years old. He is very likely the reason I have sight today. I haven't seen him in several years but I still remember his great laugh and the stories he would tell as he did exams. I will certainly miss him. What a Great, Great man. Rest in Peace Good Doctor. Thank you for taking such good care of me.
Patricia Spear Bernstrom
August 2, 2020
What a wonderful man Duncan was in so many ways. He was quick with a laugh, a tease and a kind word. My father was lucky to have practiced ophthalmology with him. Though I left Salt Lake many years ago, he has been in my thoughts so many times. My sincere condolences to his dear Sandy and all of those who loved him and will surely miss his smile.
Debbie Colgan
July 28, 2020
I will always remember the genuine smile he gave everyone he saw and the full attention he gave you when you spoke to him. I will treasure countless memories of our family together with Uncle Dunc's deep laugh and warm bear hugs. A true scholar and a gentleman, I will love and miss you forever, Uncle Dunc.
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