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BORN
1971
DIED
2023
Mark McDonald Obituary
January 24, 1971 - February 27, 2023
Mark McDonald, age 52, of Piedmont & San Francisco, CA passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday, February 27, 2023.
Mark is a proud alum of Wildwood Elementary, Piedmont Middle, Piedmont High & CSU Chico. Following many happy years working for Banana Republic and Old Navy, he enjoyed his continued career in education and learning at Apple, Peet's Coffee, Shutterfly & Udemy, which took him all over the world. In both life and in business, Mark believed strongly in the importance of treating people with kindness and respect. He shared his passion for travel with friends & family near and far and was a whizz with his iPhone camera as evidenced by the annual holiday card. He could also be relied on to pull up your most embarrassing photo, from any point in history, at a moments notice.
He is survived by his husband Sean OCinneide, mother Milli McDonald and sister Diane (Dan) Buckman. Beloved son-in-law to Martin & Geraldine and brother-in-law to Audrey (Gavin), Robbie (Sinead), Jennifer (Tom) and many nephews and nieces. Preceded in death by his father Doug McDonald.
There will be two events held to celebrate Mark's life. In San Francisco, CA, friends & family will gather at the South Beach Yacht Club (Pier 40) on Saturday March 11, from 2–5pm. In Rocklin, CA, Friends and Family will also be able to gather at Whitney Room (Gables Clubhouse), Springfield at Whitney Oaks on Saturday March 18, from 1–4pm. Mark was passionate about supporting the causes of those dear to him. In lieu of flowers, memorials gifts should be made to the charity of your choice in his name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark McDonald
Brendan and Breege O Connell
March 16, 2023
We were saddened to hear the news about Mark. We met with both himself and Sean on only a few occasions and the calmness happiness and joy from that special union radiated! Our last meeting with Mark was in December 2022, we picked up on our previous chat from before and it was like we had known him for years. May he rest in peace.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.
Brendan and Breege O´Connell
Gail Matthey
March 13, 2023
It's not very often you bounce out of bed to attend a 6am Manager training virtual session - When it was led by Mark you did. He made it interesting, fun and used his years of experience to tell the best stories. He is not only a loss to those that worked with him but the World has a hole in it with him gone.
Mark, thank you for everything. I will miss our chats, the stories and the laughs xxx
Keith McDougall
March 13, 2023
Mark was instrumental in bringing me to Apple. Arriving home from our first meeting, an interview, my wife asked me how it went, and my first response was that I met this really nice guy. Calling Mark a nice guy really doesn't sum him up - he was extraordinary in his care for others, and as my manager and friend, I learned a great deal about care, humility, and the true meaning of being there for others. I was looking back at old photos, sadly too few, and in each photo with Mark, everyone is smiling - Mark did that. He made us all smile and feel good about ourselves.
Kristy Shinn
March 10, 2023
I worked with Mark for only 6 months, but his impact on me was profound. I loved meeting with him on Wednesdays and hearing about the movie he watched with his husband and friends. We kept in touch through text after I left Udemy, because that is the type of guy Mark is. Mark led with passion and empathy and I miss him. My thoughts go out to all the people who love him. I am so sorry for your loss. You have my deepest condolences.
John Ryall
March 10, 2023
I´m so sad to hear the news of Mark´s passing. He was a wonderful human being and a good friend and leader during my time at Apple. The world is a lesser place with his loss. My sincere condolences to Sean and Mark´s wider family and friends.
Stephanie Yoshimoto
March 9, 2023
While at Shutterfly, I took many of Mark´s learning and development training classes. Mark was so engaging, passionate, and kind. I loved learning and participating in Mark´s classes because he was so much fun. Will miss you Mark.
Stephanie
Chaitanya Prakash
March 8, 2023
You have been a great support in my mangers onboarding training, which has helped me a lot to connect with some wonderful colleagues with lots of experience to share and it helped me learn more than what I used to expect whenever I joined your calls.
Thanks for all your hard work.
Chaitanya Prakash
Aiden Yang
March 8, 2023
Mark lit up every room he walked into and his joy and passion for learning was infectious.
I had the privilege of working with Mark at Udemy and we feature him in our Built In article, "Why Udemy Is the Place to Work for People Who Love Learning" (https://builtin.com/brand-studio/udemy-work-people-love-learning)
He's dearly missed as a huge part of what makes Udemy wonderful.
James A. Young
March 8, 2023
I was fortunate to get to know Mark through work, and in the short time we got to work together, it was very apparent that he cared deeply about people - whether he knew them or not.
Despite only knowing him briefly, he taught me so much about empathy, patience, and understanding. He made me a better version of myself.
He is already sorely missed.
Terry
March 7, 2023
Mark was an amazing person that could always make you smile.
Natalie Buckman
March 7, 2023
Mark was a supportive and sweet brother to Diane and son to Millie with a great sense of humor. I knew him mostly in relation to Diane. He will be dearly missed.
Marcy
March 7, 2023
Mark was such a valued friend, peer, and partner in crime. He was famous for many things, but he shined when he was facilitating and he was in the zone. How fun to watch and be a part of. He also had a tradition of taking selfies with his classes post class....I can´t even imagine how many he has. Just so young Mark, just so young... Love, Marcy
Lauren
March 7, 2023
Mark was such an amazing human, manager and friend. He always championed us, and it's hard to imagine not having him join our team meetings or encouraging us in such a kind and friendly way. Sending his family all my love. This loss is hard.
Gayle and Pete
March 6, 2023
He will be in our heart forever. His laugh, his smile, his him. Sending love.
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