Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1928
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Wilfred McDonald Obituary
08/13/1928
4/11/2017
Wilfred Boyd "Mac" McDonald of Reno, Nevada passed away peacefully on April 11, 2017. Mac was born August 13, 1928 in Cold Springs, Texas to Carl and Ettie Burr McDonald. Growing up during the great depression, Mac developed a strong work ethic. He started his career working for Standard Oil Company before entering the Navy during WWII. After the war, he returned to Standard Oil Company eventually working his way to Southern California. When he wasn't on the oil rigs, he worked modifying and fixing outboard motors and Harley Davidson motorcycles. In the 1950's he moved to Reno, Nevada working with the police department and creating a name for himself starting Reno Harley Davidson and eventually owning and operating Las Vegas Harley Davidson. Asked to help a friend who was having difficulty keeping the coin room equipment operating, Mac jumped into refurbishing coin wrapping machines and quickly rose to be the best in the industry. Mac was a perfectionist who prided himself on getting a job done right. His special skill was re-engineering products to come up with better solutions. His entrepreneurial spirit had him mixing and befriending many including the Davidson family and Northern Nevada casino owners such as Harold Smith and William Pennington. During Mac's latter years, he was a land owner and developer in Virginia City and Golden Valley seen frequently on his loader improving his property. Mac was a colorful individual who set high expectations for himself and those around him. He often entertained guests and all were welcome for coffee or an afternoon drink in "the shop" to discuss business and the politics of the day as well as share old Reno stories. He was blessed to have several close friends in the last years of his life. Mac was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Dalton McDonald, and his sister, Thelma McDonald. He is survived by his son Douglas McDonald and grandchildren, Thea, Logan, and Ray McDonald. Mac was a father, grandfather and friend to many. He will be missed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wilfred McDonald
Sponsored by Truckee Meadows Cremation & Burial.
5 Entries
JEAN HARRIS
May 4, 2019
Mac, I drive by your place regularly and always take a look and leave a smile. Although you could be rough and tough I still think of you and the the property you so carefully groomed. Rest peacefully.
Jean Harris
July 31, 2017
Rest in peace, Mac. You were my not so close neighbor on No. Virginia and we met in 2013. We shared coffee, tea and beers at your place, my place and the cafe in Golden Valley. Your knowledge of Reno and the goings on of the North Valleys was always of interest to me. I'll miss you, grouchy as you could be. I regularly drive by your place and will always give you a smile.
Richard Davis
May 19, 2017
Mac , Gonna miss talking with ya' . I remember when I first met you at the old Grove st. motorcycle shop in April 1967. Wow 50 years ago. You helped me with my first H-D, a 1949 EL Panhead when I was in high school up in Tahoe. It was great talking to you the past several years. Your old amigo , Rich Davis
May 11, 2017
Mac left an imprint on our heart and will never be forgotten . I would ask " how ya doing Mac " and he would look at me (as he probably did so many with that look) " well..., im dying and then with a gruff " ugh " look at you like you were crazy for asking . I would say " we are all dying you just may be ahead of me , and btw you look pretty good to me ., With a huge smile and shake of his head a friendship began . Friend and Mentor to my son Daniel , I look at this photo and just want to give him one more hug .
Bev Acton
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Wilfred McDonald's name
Memorial Events
for Wilfred McDonald
How to support Wilfred's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Wilfred McDonald's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
