Robert John MacDonald

1927 - 2010

Robert "Big Dad" MacDonald, age 82, passed away at Brighton Gardens in Camarillo on Monday, July 12, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on Aug. 18, 1927 in Boston, Mass., to Donald and Euphemia MacDonald of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Known by most as "Bob," he and his siblings enjoyed a very active upbringing in Massachusetts along the Atlantic Ocean.

After his honorable service in WWII with the U.S. Navy, he married Ellen Kudaroski and settled in South Boston, then Quincy, where they raised five children. He loved the ocean and had many friends and family in the Hough's Neck section of Quincy, where they spent summers on their boats in the Quincy Bay. Among his favorite places were Peddock's and Sheep Island. Swimming, fishing, clam digging, bonfires and cookouts were all part of his family life within the small close-knit community.

Bob relocated to California in the early sixties after separating from his wife Ellen. He had a long and distinguished career in civil service at the Port Hueneme Naval Base as manager GS-13, Pacific Missile Test Center. Although he traveled the world, California would become home, first in the Silver Strand beach area, then Ojai Valley where he settled in with his new wife, Geraldine "Jeri" Brady, and three of his children. He transferred to San Diego where he worked on North Island for the U.S. Navy, later retiring to the Camarillo area where he spent his days camping and traveling with his family.

He is survived by his son, Robert MacDonald; daughter, Robin MacDonald-Foley and son-in-law David Foley; daughter and son-in-law, Eileen and Edward Krutuleski; daughter, Maura Connors Lynch; son-in-law, Thomas Driscoll; beloved grandchildren, Michelle, Ellisha, Jackie, Gabrielle, Charlotte, Bobby, Scotty, Timmy, Corey; great-grandchildren; sister, Eileen Mary Urquhart; sister-in-law, Madeline MacDonald; sister-in-law, Joyce Doane; beloved nieces and nephews; and cousin, Eileen and husband Ross of P.E.I., Canada. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeri MacDonald; daughter, Kathleen Driscoll; grandson, Brandon Krutuleski; brothers, William "Happy" MacDonald and William "Billy" Doane; sister and brother-in-law, Kaye and Sherm Jordan; brother-in-law, Ray Urquhart; and his beloved pets, Samason and Chisai.

Cremation services are with Griffin family Funeral Chapels of Camarillo. His ashes will be returned to Quincy bay where arrangements for his memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Brighton Gardens and Assisted Home Hospice for their care and kindness. Bob lived a full and rewarding life and will be greatly missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942, or John Wayne Cancer Foundation, PO Box 1779, Newport Beach, CA 92659-0139.

Arrangements under the direction of Griffin Family Funeral Chapels Camarillo; 482-1166.