Rev. Donald Ralph McNair

Rev. Donald Ralph McNair obituary

Rev. Donald Ralph McNair

Donald McNair Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Dec. 3 to Dec. 6, 2009.
McNair, Rev. Donald Ralph age 60, of Edina, died on Dec. 2, 2009, at home with his family after a long, yet graceful and forward-facing struggle with Multiple Systems Atrophy. Preceded in death by parents, Ralph and Shirley of Bethesda, MD. Survived by wife of 35 years, Sheryl; children, Andrew (Stephanie), Jonathan (Jennifer), and Britta Orr (Christopher); grandchildren, Cecilia, Elisabeth, and Joseph; brother, Douglas (Regan) of Reston, VA; nephews, Christopher and James; and mother-in-law, Cedonia Ahlstrand. Don was born and raised in Bethesda, MD and graduated from Bucknell University and Fuller Theological Seminary. He was an Eagle Scout and avid fisherman. He had a servant's heart and touched many lives as a Presbyterian minister for 30 years working at churches in Spokane, WA, Oakdale, PA, and Minneapolis, MN. Don loved all kinds of music and enjoyed playing the guitar and especially leading singing. He was very involved in his children's lives - coaching baseball, being a cub scout leader, and cheering them on at literally thousands of athletic games. Don was a devoted husband and father who would do anything for his family. His gentle touch, playful humor, and abiding love will be greatly missed. We love you - always have, always will. Don's ashes will be scattered at Cove Point in the Chesapeake Bay - his favorite place on earth. Memorials preferred to Struthers Parkinson's Center or donor's choice. A Service of Remembrance will be held at 3:00 PM on Monday, Dec. 7 at: Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 West 50th St. & Hwy 100

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Sign Donald McNair's Guest Book

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December 12, 2009

Lorys Penrod posted to the memorial.

December 8, 2009

Mark and Liz Barosko posted to the memorial.

December 8, 2009

Carlson Family posted to the memorial.

Lorys Penrod

December 12, 2009

I am so sorry about your loss. In 1993 my husband passed away and I was drawn back to Aldrich Church where he and his family were very active.Don helped me thru a tough time and also brought his guitar to the hospital and sang to me and my Brother, who was visiting me after surgery. Both of us were very moved by this.His singing sounded so much like my husbands voice.I have missed him since he had to leave Aldrich and feel blessed to have known him.

Mark and Liz Barosko

December 8, 2009

Dear Sheryl and family - we heard about Don's death from another Aldrich friend. We know you will miss his earthly presence dearly, but we pray that the knowledge that Don is at peace - even more - filled with JOY at his reunion with our Heavenly Father makes your hearts lighter. Whenever I went into Don's office at Aldrich, the beautiful, grinning portrait of Jesus drew my eyes and my heart. That's how I remember Don - full of life and laughter and love for people. He was a terrific guy and dedicated spiritual leader. Our prayers go out to you.

With love,

Carlson Family

December 8, 2009

Jon and family, Our heart goes out to you during this difficult time. We pray in time, that your fond memories of a man who gave his life to God and Family will overcome your grief. May peace be with all of you.

Deb Baron

December 8, 2009

Sheryl,
I am saddened to hear of Don's death. I knew he was courageously battling one of the neurological diseases but it seems his demise came too soon.

I will always remember him fondly as a warm, friendly, and caring man. May your faith sustain you and your children in the years to come.

Abbe Nelson Turman

December 8, 2009

Britta and Family, I am thinking about you during this time and wanted to express my condolences. I have many fond memories of listening to songs like "Sweet Pea" and "Knock Three Times" on KOOL108 in the car when Mr. McNair would drive us to friends' houses and the Braemar Ice Rink in grade school. I'm very sorry for your loss and you will be in my prayers.

Jessica Schultz

December 7, 2009

Thinking about you all. Condolences cannot even come close to filling the void that Don's long illness and death has created, may God rest his soul and ease yours. May you find peace.

Sue Daniels Johnson

December 7, 2009

We are so sad to hear of the passing of Don. I was very blessed to have him as a pastor at Oakdale U.P. and the youth group which prospered ever so because of him. His eating a goldfish will never leave my memory! He also performed my husband's and my wedding ceremony almost 27 years ago! We came back to Oakdale just to be sure he would be the one to bless our union. Don will be so very missed--even though we haven't been in touch, he's touched each of our lives so wonderfully. Prayers for Sheryl, Andy (who I used to babysit), Jonathan and Britta.

Formerly of Oakdale, PA

Traci VanElsberg

December 7, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

David Hallman

December 7, 2009

Sheryl and family, May the Lord hold you in the palm of his hand during these times of grief. This is supposed to be a time of celebration that Donald is now reunited with his maker but we mourn no longer having him on Earth. May God Bless all of you in this time of sorrow. David Hallman and family

December 7, 2009

Sheryl, Brita, John and Andy - know that our prayers are with you during this this time. Brita - your father touched many lives and was very lucky to have so many loving friends. God Bless and you are always in our hearts. Ted, Gail James and Jessica

Jim Kirkley

December 6, 2009

To Sheryl and the children I have only seen in pictures,
I can't begin to explain the influence Don had in my life. From the first days I set foot on Bucknell's campus, and through the next year when he was my roommate, with my natural messy nature colliding with his inherent neatness, Don was a true and steady friend. I cherish the days we spent together, mourn for your loss, and rejoice to know that we will all see him again. I know that he indeed was a fighter through all of this illness, but that was no surprise, that's just Don.

Heather Evans

December 6, 2009

Sheryl, Andy, Jonathan and Britta, my prayers are with you and your family during this trying time. Don has been remembered fondly here in Oakdale, he has touched so many lives here. I will always remember bible school and Don eating dasies! I will always have a smile on my face when I remember that! All my love and prayers. . .

Lori Burton-Admokom

December 6, 2009

Dear McNair family, My prayers are with you at this sad time. I was fortunate to work with Don at Aldrich Presbyterian church. What a wonderful man of God he was! HIs gentle nature, strong vision and wonderful guitar playing. He will surely be missed. Lori Burton Admokom Oakland, CA

Connie Yoder (formerly Augustin)

December 6, 2009

Dear Sheryl, Andy, Jonathan, Britta, and families,
My heart goes out to you and so many at the passing of a dear husband, father, and friend. 25 years ago to this day, Don stood beside a hillside grave of my newborn son and sang "Jesus Loves Me" as he comforted us and led us to reach for the Lord in the midst of our struggles. I have never forgotten that day and all the countless ways Don ministered to us here in Oakdale PA as pastor, neighbor,and friend. We were blessed to have him in our lives. His legacy lives on.
Praying the Lord will comfort each of you now and in the days ahead.

Liz Zamule

December 5, 2009

Our church in Oakdale PA was so blessed to have Don as our minister. He loved God and reached out to so many people with that love. My very deepest sympathy goes out to Sheryl, kids and family. You are always in our hearts here.

Tracy Zurcher

December 4, 2009

Don was our pastor in Oakdale, PA (Oakdale UP Church) and we hold a special place in our hearts for him and the family always. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! Hal, Beverly, Tracy & Hal McCartney

Nancy Beaumont

December 4, 2009

Its hard to find the right words to use in regard to Don. His, and Sheryl's ministry ministry in Oakdale, PA touched so many families - young and old. My deepest sympathy to Sheryl and your family. I pray that our love that we have for you - even though we are far away - helps sustain you during this time. I know that he will be missed by so many as he is a very special person - significant to those who have been blessed to know him.

Bruce Henderson

December 3, 2009

So sorry to hear of Don's passing. I last saw Don in his last year at Bucknell. I have indelible memories of many spirited spiritual discussions. I also remember him dashing down the stairs early in the morning (barefoot as always)at 27 S. 7th St. to move his VW and avoid a ticket on street cleaning day. Condolences to all his family and friends.

John Malone

December 3, 2009

I regret the passing of Don, a devoted Christian. I served on a Presbytery committee with Don when he decided to retire because of his disease. He will be missed by those who knew him. Above all he will be missed by his devoted family and the folk at Aldrich Avenue Presbyterian Church.

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Not sure what to say?

December 12, 2009

Lorys Penrod posted to the memorial.

December 8, 2009

Mark and Liz Barosko posted to the memorial.

December 8, 2009

Carlson Family posted to the memorial.