Donald Laurie MacDonald

Nov. 16, 1922 - April 3, 2006

Donald L. MacDonald of Corvallis died Monday from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease). He was 83.

Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, he was the youngest of five boys of Mervil and Margaret MacDonald.

He received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Toronto. He enjoyed a long career in science and education, teaching, mentoring and conducting research in carbohydrate chemistry. A long-time member of the American Chemical Society, his professional life included work at the University of Toronto, University of California Berkeley and the National Institutes of Health. He joined the Oregon State University faculty in 1962, where he worked in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, serving several times as interim departmental chairman before retiring as professor in 1987. During his career he enjoyed sabbatical leaves to the Max Plank Institute in Heidelberg, Germany, the Joslin Research Institute in Boston, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.

In 1947 he married Elizabeth M.S. Arthur in Toronto. Together they moved to the United States and raised three children. They enjoyed bird watching and other outdoor activities, and they traveled extensively to visit family and friends. They shared their Alsea retreat with their many friends, as well as enjoying its solitude.

MacD's passion was bird watching. He was an active birdwatcher from boyhood, continuing throughout his entire life. He was active in the Audubon Society and served as editor of the CHAT newsletter. He enjoyed many field trips as well as annual bird census counts. His favorite places included Klamath Lake and Point Pelee National Park, Ontario, Canada.

MacD is survived by his wife of 58 years, Elizabeth, of Corvallis; his three children, John, Laurie and Peggy; six grandchildren; and three great-

grandchildren.

A celebration of MacD's life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at the OSU CH2M Hill Alumni Center.

Because of his lifelong commitment to students, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the OSU Foundation, in support of the Donald L. MacDonald Scholarship Fund, 850 S.W. 35th St., Corvallis, OR 97333.