Neil David MacDonald

Neil David MacDonald was born on April 22nd in 1942 in Niagara Falls, New York. He passed away on July 16th, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. He fought hard-he passed with peace.
Neil exuded many of his lifelong qualities at an early age. A fighting spirit. Fierce independence. Undying loyalty. Charisma. He arrived in Louisville in 1961 to attend the University of Louisville with a scholarship in diving. In a short period of time he learned how to advance in the community-through friendships, relationships, and involvement.
One of his earliest connections became his longest one. His true love affair with his wife Jane (Miller) started over 58 years ago. Stories of their courtship have been told and retold over the years, but they always end the same way-there is an attractive, fun loving, couple sitting across from you-who absolutely adore each other and are wholly bonded to each other-eternally.
Neil's involvement in business was a celebration of accomplishments. As founder of A-Box Unlimited, Independent Container, and Independent II-each company soared (two-time Inc. 500/5000 recipient and multi-time Fast 50 honoree) and the "Independent way" became synonymous with best-in-class service and innovation within the corrugated industry and the marketplace alike. His success was probably due to his early entrepreneurial business, at age 8, selling fishing worms!
Many communities in the Greater Louisville area benefited from Neil's active participation, volunteerism, and philanthropic support over his lifetime. His Alma-Mater the University of Louisville was a community that provided him with lifelong friendships and shared experiences. Neil took great pride in his support of the University. He loved U of L Basketball. He loved helping contribute to the Natatorium. He loved his CARDS! Other communities also thrived with Neil's involvement.
The Anchorage Civic Club, the Anchorage Volunteer Fire Department, the Boy Scouts of Kentucky, The
Louisville Zoo, the Chamber of Commerce, Owl Creek Country Club, the Austin-Healey and Jaguar Clubs, and the American Ski Classic.
Neil was known over the years for his individualized identity. No socks. The pony-tail. A red Porsche 911. The scowl. Sharp suits and unbuttoned linen shirts. A wide grin...and skinny legs. Bailey's on the rocks. Equal to Neil's look was his memory and storytelling ability.
Neil's extended family includes a constellation of individuals as unique as the stars themselves. This passing will be difficult for so many who received an opportunity, assistance, care or comfort from Neil or shared memorable experiences with him. For those who knew him, worked with him, or who traveled, cheered, laughed, and grew up with him, or were cared for by him-you were family to him.
Neil is survived by his beautiful wife Jane and their children Finn and Era, as well as their spouses Loryn and Dexter. Neil was a beloved, cherished "PAPA" to his four grandchildren Iain, Kai, Lucille, and Mabel. Surviving family of Neil's includes his sister Sandy and her family, his brother Craig and his family, and his sister-in-law Kim MacDonald; he was predeceased by his younger brother Mickey.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Owl Creek Country Club on Friday July 26th from 5-8pm. Guests are welcome to share a story and enjoy a drink. Dress code-No socks please! In lieu of flowers the family of Neil's ask for donations to go to The Merrymac Farm Sanctuary, 490 Lime Kiln Rd, Charlotte, VT 05445 or https://donorbox.org/mmfs-donate