Donald F. MacGinnis

On the morning of January 19, 2024, Don MacGinnis was welcomed into the arms of his loving Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 90. On the day he passed into the presence of the Lord, a beautiful white amaryllis flower given to him earlier in the week bloomed on cue, as if to honor the joyous occasion.
Don was born in Oakland, California to a mother and father who were forty years old when he came into their lives. He spent the first 18 years of his life in Alameda. During these early years, Don had a spiritual interest but not a saving faith. It wasn't until later in life that he had his life changing encounter with Jesus.
Don attended Alameda High School, where he participated in student government and earned excellent grades. He went on to attend Stanford University, where he was enrolled in ROTC. He enjoyed studying history and world events. He pledged Phi Kappa Sigma and later met the love of his life Dottie Kooken at a fraternity party. He graduated, earning his BA in International Relations. He and Dottie were subsequently married on a rainy Saturday, Dec. 30, 1955 in a service at the Stanford Chapel.
After a brief stint at Fort Knox, the newlyweds traveled to Germany for 18 months. Their oldest son Doug was born In Heidelberg during that time. The family moved back to Northern California where their daughter Cathy was born. After a move to the East Bay Area Don and his family became active in the Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church. It was there he finally gave his life to Christ. The verse " I chose you before the foundation of the world" (from Ephesians 1:4) resonated with him then and from that day forward. For him, the verse embodied what he deeply treasured: the personal relationship the Lord sought with Him and with all whom He created. In 1972, the family moved to Southern California and made their home in Villa Park, where they settled, and where Dottie still resides today.
Don, an avid sports fan, attended many Stanford and 49ers football games. Don was not above making his opinions widely known at the sports events he attended. On one occasion, while watching a Stanford quarterback struggle on the field, he shouted out like a crazy fan about how poorly the kid was playing. In the midst of Don's verbal tirade, a voice from behind could be heard saying "hey buddy, if you think you can do better why don't you put on a jersey and head down to the sidelines and give it your best shot!" Don turned around to see who made the suggestion, only to learn that it was none other than John Brodie, former Stanford football star and quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers. After that, at least on that particular day, Don kept his coaching tips to himself.
Don loved traveling with his family. Many fond memories were made enjoying the great outdoors. Together they traveled to Feather River and Yosemite Valley California, Lake Granby, Arapahoe Valley Ranch, Colorado, among other places. They Houseboated on Lake Shasta and Backpacked in the Sierra Nevada often fishing and enjoying nature. And in later years, the couple traveled to Scotland where they connected with Don's Mother's Scottish relatives.
Don is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years Dottie, son Doug, daughter Cathy (Regan), daughter in law Sandra, five grandchildren Lauren (Jeff), Matt (Wendy), Danielle (Shane), Casey (Lauren), Kelly (Megan) and ten great grandchildren, Naomi, Faith, Owen, Dane, Mollie, Morgan, Logan, Ellie, Clara and Jameson.