Robert MacDonnell

Robert MacDonnell

After a long battle w Alzheimer's, Bob MacDonnell, age 83, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 18th surrounded by his family. He was a much loved husband, father, brother, business partner and friend. He had an outrageous sense of humor and tremendous sense of humility. He loved being a Marine. He was a great athlete, and loved to compete. Bob was good with people, was a kind and generous person, and a wonderful mentor to many. He felt very fortunate for the many blessings of his life and would help others in whatever way he could. As a father, he tried to impart the lessons and wisdom he had gained throughout his life, which he referred to as "his lectures". He would conclude these discussions with a simple "end of lecture", and a smile. He loved vanilla ice cream and shocked us all when he switched to chocolate. He became obsessed with golf and even won the AT&T Pro-Am at Pebble Beach in 1999. Looking back, he always said to be successful you need hard work, timing and luck, and with those one could accomplish anything. Professionally he worked for Arthur Anderson, and found his home as a partner at KKR, working with his brother-in-law and many others whom he considered family. With his wife Jannine, he bought land in Napa Valley in 1978, and found joy in being a farmer, building a family business, and in the great beauty of wine country.

Dad was known as Lucky Bob, but the truth is, it was all of us who were lucky to have known and loved him. He will be greatly missed. He leaves behind his wife, children, grandchildren, and his brother and sister.

Above all else, Bob wanted to be remembered as a great Dad, which he was. End of Lecture.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Alzheimer's Association, or Collabriacare.org. A celebration of life will be held at a date yet to be determined.