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Geoffrey A. MacDonald

Geoffrey MacDonald Obituary

Geoffrey A. MacDonald of Chatham, MA and Boca Raton, FL, died Monday December 17, 2012 at home after a long illness. Born July 6, 1948 in Quincy, MA he was the beloved son of Estelle and the late Roy S. MacDonald, and was predeceased by his brother Laurence MacDonald of Braintree. Geoffrey is survived by his loving wife, Jane Coffey MacDonald, of Chatham, MA and Boca Raton, Florida, and his seven children: Geoffrey R. MacDonald, of Chatham MA, Megan (Scott) Davis, (and her children Martha, Hannah, and Emery) of Manchester, MA, Cameron, Madeleine, Maurya, Dillon, and Olivia, of Boca Raton, Florida. He is also survived by his siblings: sister Prudence Shorton of Norwood, brothers Michael, of Norwood; Timothy and Raymond of Braintree; Douglas of Falmouth, MA; Anthony of Rancho Palos Verde, CA; and John of Lincoln, MA. He is survived by a large extended family, including nephews, nieces, cousins, uncles, and aunts. Geoff was a voracious reader, generous, full of love and good will, and enjoyed helping others capture opportunities in life. Geoff had a sharp mind and passion for industry; many came to rely on his business acumen. He had a great sense of humor, enjoyed travel, had a keen competitive nature and loved sports. In basketball games he was the player, coach, and referee - all in one! Geoffs positive outlook and tenacity endured through the last days of his illness. He recently shared the greatest lesson he learned in life: Be Kind to Others. He will be greatly missed. Geoff had a successful career in business. Most recently, he was a managing partner in GRS Investments of Chatham, MA. Prior, Geoff was Chairman of the Board and Director of Equis Corporation. He also served on the Board of Kirkwood and Durango Ski Resort and was co-founder of American Finance Group. He also held various positions in the equipment leasing industry, and earlier still, was a sales rep with Eli Lilly & Co. Geoffrey earned an M.B.A. from Boston College, a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and was a graduate of Braintree High School, class of 66. A private service will be held in Boca Raton, Florida. A celebration of his life is planned for later in Massachusetts. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to: CurePSP 30 East Padonia Rd. Timonium, MD 21093 or https://give.psp.org

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Dec. 20, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Geoffrey MacDonald

25 Entries

Geoff w football helmet, Christmas c 1958

Raymond MacDonald

December 14, 2019

Christmask c 1955, Mike, Geoff w accordians

December 14, 2019

Christopher CUSE

December 14, 2019

Wonderful memories of Geoffrey here in Eygalieres. Side-splitting laughter, computer problems, and a lovely friendship. Cannot believe it has been so long.

Christopher CUSE & Family

Dieter and Liz #gutmann

June 11, 2018

...open by luck today - June 11 2018 - this website; of course, best memories was flying by while Geoff and Jane together with us was on world-trips over the years to Nepal-Thailand / Kenya / Botswana-Namibia / flying with floatplane from Whitehorse up to the Brooks-Range in Alaska / rounding Korsika-Island - having good times in US / France and Germany as well.
...yes - it was and it is still shocking - that he passed away - . We think very often about him and his entire family - for Jane it's a challenge to rise 5 kid's into their own lifecycle. We all never know when the last second is coming. We wish Jane and the family all the best ! with deep regret - Dieter and Liz - Hamburg/Germany

Cameron Macdonald

May 23, 2013

Geoffrey A. Macdonald is my father. I am sad to think and or have knowledge of his passing. I will forever love him, not only for loving and caring about my family and I, but for being a great father.

Daniel Luptak

May 20, 2013

Even though I did not know Geoffrey for a long time I have heard about all the great things he did, and how many people he influenced. His son is my best friend and he talks about him so much that it just saddens my heart of his passing. He had so many interesting things to tell when I had dinner with them, that I enjoyed listening and talking about. He was an inspiring person and I wish I could have known him more.

Noreen (Landry) Liendo

February 18, 2013

Dear Jane and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Geoffrey. He was always full of life, energy and enthusiasm. I remember still the day I interviewed with him at AFG. It was a pleasure to work there and be motivated by him. He made a difference in my life for sure. Thank you Geoffrey!

Kathy Reinke

February 14, 2013

I am very saddened to learn of Geoff's passing. I worked at "AFG" as my first 'real' job out of college. When Geoff was in the office he was always had a presence. Who could forget the suspenders ?! At first, he seemed intimidating and then he was out having a beer with the group and proved to be approachable.
My time at AFG was a time I have not forgotten. I did not love the job so much as I loved the ' AFG people'. I met some of my most wonderful friends at AFG.
Thinking back now, a busy guy running a company was able to take the time that these many years later, this former just- out- of- college-Investor -Services- Rep remembers him & is saddened by his passing.

Geoff Jr - its been many many years, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jeff Zerrer

January 30, 2013

Dear Jane and the entire MacDonald Family,
There are no words to express the influence that Geoff has had on my life, and, I am sure, of countless others whose lives he touched. As anyone who has ever met Geoff will attest, he had many strong opinions and a wealth of knowledge that he was only too willing to share with all who would listen.
I met Geoff in 1978 when I was still a college student interning at Chancellor Corporation in Boston where Geoff was a salesman. He quickly took me under his wing and I road his long coat tails ever since. Until recently, Geoff called me not only on my birthday but on our anniversary because he actually remembered the exact day we met even after 30 plus years. This is not only a measure of his thoughtfulness, but also of his keen memory. Whenever we reminiced about something, I would never challenge Geoff on his version of events because he would invariably remamber every detail of the event including the weather on that particular day.
His wisdom, positive attitude and love of life will be sorely missed. I think and dream about him often, and will always cherish him and the profound impact has had on my life.

Jane Satow

January 22, 2013

Dear Jane, children and family of Geoffrey,

We are all very sad to have heard of Geoffrey's passing. He was such an incredible person, a wonderful father and family man. He will be missed by so many. We are thinking of you and praying for you during this difficult time. Much love, Jane, Peter, Sophia Charlie and Julien Satow

Eygalieres France

January 22, 2013

Dear Jane,

The entire Eygalieres community was shocked and deeply sadend to learn that Geoffrey left us.

Our sincerest and most heartfelt condolences.

George Shores

January 18, 2013

A lot of great memories growing up together and will be missed greatly. Jane iam so sad for you and family. we touched on some spiritual needs , and i pray they help.

Philip MacDonald

January 9, 2013

Geoff was an incredible person who had a positive outlook on life and was a positive influence in my life. I always admired his hard work and accomplishments, and enjoyed his generosity. He was always quick to ensure guests and relatives were comfortable in his care and made provisions for our family, a number of times, to have some memorable vacations with him. Geoff leaves a great legacy and will be greatly missed.

Geoff and great nephew Sammy, Memorial Day 2012

Peter MacDonald

January 8, 2013

Geoffrey was the most positive and tenacious person I've met. That's probably why he was so successful. He always had a new book open on his kitchen counter and replied to my emails quickly - before email was a thing. He knew everything about everything and had strict procedures to be followed to ensure success.
He always had a place for guests and respected his guests.
Growing up boating together in Chatham frequently and visiting him, I got to know Geoff better. He taught me to feel comfortable around any adult - CEO, Executive, whoever.
Geoff and Jane once helped me tremendously. When I called him on the phone to thank him, I told him "that sounds like a good deal." He replied "It is a phenomenal deal. Are you going to take it?"
Geoff saw that life was a phenomenal deal, and with his optimism and generosity he helped others do the same. He will be greatly remembered and missed.

Janet Radley

January 2, 2013

Dear Jane and Family, I am so saddened to hear of Geoff's passing. I owe you and he more than mere words can express. Your generosity to me by opening up your home and including me in your family can never be repaid. I learned so much from you and Geoff. Geoff was the best mentor anyone could have and his intelligence and wit will live on in everyone he worked and connected with during his life. My thoughts are with you all.

David MacDonald

December 26, 2012

Dear Jane and Family,
Uncle Geoff was an incredible man and will be deeply missed, by myself and many others. I have such great memories of him, from the Christmas parties at the "Milton Hilton" to family cook outs in Chatham. Some of the greatest memories I have of uncle Geoff are one's of the epic ski trips out west he would generously take us on. Growing up as a child, I would always look up to Uncle Geoff for his amazing accomplishments, success, wisdom and his competitive nature. Uncle Geoff had a great sense of humor and such a positive outlook on life and I will deeply miss him.

Jackson Hole-Sam, Sara, Luke, Caitlin and Uncle Geoff

Sara Giguere

December 26, 2012

Dear Aunt Jane, Geoff, Megan, Cameron, Madeline, Maurya, Cameron and Olivia,
Uncle Geoff was an incredible man. He was kind and generous. It was from Uncle Geoff I learned the value of a dollar, the importance of reading often, and the significance of remembering important dates. I miss him and wish we could have had more skiing adventures, but I'm thankful for the fun ski times I had with Captain Fun aka Uncle Geoff. May you cherish the fun times and good memories and be comforted knowing you aren't alone. Many others loved and cared for Uncle Geoff. My condolences to you and your family in this hard time.

John MacDonald

December 26, 2012

I will always remember and appreciate Geoff's generosity, and your's Jane, especially to me. Geoff packed more life in his 64 years than most people can fit in several lifetimes. He seemed to live completely without fear and to accomplish whatever he set out to do. His raw energy, passion, confidence, and lack of self-consciousness made him a larger-than-life person in my eyes. His very existence has always inspired me. I hope his memory will do the same for his children and all that he touched.

Raymond MacDonald

December 24, 2012

My Mother shared that today was always a special day for young Geoff. As a boy, he would exclaim, "Merry Christmas!" even in the summer....

Merry Christmas! Geoff.

Douglas & Maria MacDonald

December 23, 2012

Dear Jane and Family,
Geoffrey was a great older brother, offering direction and assistance throughout my life. As a small child I always looked up to my “Big Brother Geoff”. He was bold, decisive, assertive and athletic. While playing basketball or any other sport he was often the player, coach and referee all in one. I knew he had my best interest and wanted to see me succeed. Geoff spoke convincingly, with authority, and had a great mind for dates and details on a plethora of subjects. Even when he didn't know the answer he sure spoke with authority as if he did and I'd believe him. I cherish the times we spent golfing, skiing, boating, fishing and taking those walks together.
He was a wonderful Uncle to our children. He always had a positive perspective, and we never heard him complain once about his condition: Geoff stayed in the game of life as long as he could. We loved Geoff and will miss his presence in our life. We extend our deepest condolences to all of you. Love

December 22, 2012

Dear Jane:
Our prayers are with you and your family. Geoffrey will always have a place in my heart as a friend and mentor. He will be missed but will live on in our hearts for many years to come.
Lynn & Wayne Engle

Charlotte Danciu

December 21, 2012

My Dearest Jane,
My prayers are with you, and all your beautiful children. Geoff was an amazing human being. He was brilliant, and successful, yet so kind and generous to those in need. He was everyone's friend and everyone admired, respected, and loved him. But most importantly, Geoffrey was a loving husband who worshiped his wife and a devoted father who adored each and every one of his children. He set an example for all of us to live by. I know there are no words adequate to comfort you, but my only consolation is to have known this great man in my lifetime.
God Bless you all,
Love,
Charlotte Danciu

Ken Seacrist

December 21, 2012

I've known Geoff for 40 years. I will always remember his wonderful sense of humor, his passion for history as well as for business and will always admire his positive outlook on life. He will be missed every day.

Bob & Judy Bukala

December 20, 2012

I join with so many others who new Geoffrey and who he helped over the years - Geoff thanks for the memories - you will be missed - our thoughts and prayers are with you and Jane.

Karen and Max Makaitis

December 20, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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