Calvin Stewart MacDonald

Calvin Stewart MacDonald

Calvin Stewart MacDonald 72, died peacefully on June 29, 2010, at home with his family by his side in Mukilteo, Washington after a battle with cancer.
He was born on February 24, 1938 in Stoneham, Massachusetts to Hector and Christine MacDonald. Cal was raised in Stoneham and by the time he was 12 he built his first sailboat and was already on his way to being an accomplished sailor and crossing the finish line in first place. He graduated from Stoneham High School in 1955 and graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts in 1960. He was a member of ROTC and following graduation entered Officers Training and Army Flight School. He was stationed at Rhine-Main AB, Frankfort, Germany until 1965 and continued to serve in the US Army Reserves until 1969. Cal became a pilot for Northwest Airlines in 1965 where he had the pleasure to fly captain within three years. He flew captain on the Electra, 707, 727, DC-10 and 747 for 33 years until his mandatory retirement at age 60 in 1998.
Cal was an active individual and enjoyed the outdoors. His interests included sailing, skiing, hiking and gardening. Cal enjoyed planting trees with his grandchildren and creating trails for them in the gulch. One of the highlights of his life was summiting Mount Rainier with his two children and nephew a little less than two years ago. With his passion for flying he spent several years volunteering at the Museum of Flight as a docent and helped others get over their fear of flying by volunteering for the local Fear of Flying Clinic for over 20 years. Cal was an active volunteer in the community. He spent hours in his children's classrooms and enjoyed volunteering with Assistance League of Everett.
Calvin is survived by his wife of 41 years, Valerie, of Mukilteo; daughter, Heather and (Brian) Baker, of Seattle, WA; son, Chris MacDonald, of Copenhagen, Denmark; grandchildren, Colin and Olivia; sister, Marian (Dan) Towse, of Stoneham, Massachusetts; and many nieces and nephews who will dearly miss him.
Calvin was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Murdock MacDonald.
Those who where lucky enough to have Cal touch their lives describe him as the kindest, and most patient caring man they had ever met. Cal had a wonderful sense of humor. His warm smile and ability to make others smile will be remembered and live on in the hearts of many.
Cal was diagnosed with incurable Stage 4 esophageal cancer in January 2009. He was given weeks to months to live. Cal beat the odds fighting the disease in every way he could, holding it at bay for a year and a half and maintaining a high quality of life.
His battle against cancer was filmed and produced into an award wining documentary in Denmark, and was shown at the 2010 Cannes film festival. His battle against cancer can be seen on www.empowered4life.org.
A memorial celebration will be held at 7:00 p.m. on July 22, at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Evergreen Hospice or the hospice of your choice.