John "Mac" McBride

1939 - 2022

John "Mac" McBride
April 8, 1939 - May 25, 2022
Menlo Park & Indian Wells
John McBride was loved for his lively sense of humor, and contagious laugh, and had an impish and mischievous wit borne of his Scotch-Irish heritage. Born and raised in Walton, New York, John graduated from Williams College in 1961 and promptly headed to California to attend Stanford Law School. Upon his arrival on the West Coast, John reunited with his best friend and fellow law student, Fred Fields, and the pair began what would be a 60-year adventure in golf, family and endless nights at the infamous Oasis Beer Garden.

John settled in Palo Alto in 1964 where he married and had three daughters, Sarah Selis McBride, Katie McBride, and Bonnie McBride. He co-founded the law firm originally known as Wylie, Leahy, Blunt & McBride in 1967 where he focused on civil trials, including employment and labor union law. He tried matters before judges and juries in federal, state, and administrative forums and was recognized for protecting the legal rights of unions and workers.

Mac remained an avid golfer throughout his life, sometimes playing twice a day, and possessed the rare distinction of hitting two hole-in-ones. His interests ranged from playing the harmonica to brewing beer and he had an enormous appetite for books and music. An enthusiastic whistler, (read: incessant!) Mac marched to the beat of his own drum —he was unconventional, a nonconformist, and had a come-what-may approach to life, letting most everything roll off his back.

He remarried in 1993 to his wife of 29 years, Jeannie McBride. Together they enjoyed traveling and living life to the fullest. Memorable excursions include a month-long trip to Ireland, and most recently, a river cruise on the Rhine and Moselle rivers. They resided happily in Menlo Park and Indian Wells until his passing.

John will be sorely missed and leaves behind his wife, his daughters, three stepchildren –Robb Albrecht, Brett Albrecht, and Rebecca Swanson-Klein, and six grandchildren –John, David, Aidan, Ava, Sage, Victoria, and mother-in-law, Jean Swanson.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, July 23. If you knew John and would like to attend, please email johnmacsparty@gmail.com for the time and location.


View the online memorial for John "Mac" McBride