Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Jere McDonald Obituary
Jere Edward McDonald passed away at home March 14, 2015, in La Quinta, California. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on Jan. 17, 1936, he was graduated from the University of Detroit in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. He married Beverly Mack in September 1957 and moved to California in 1958, having been transferred by U.S. Rubber. They made their home in Whittier where they raised their five children. In 1959, he left U.S. Rubber and went to work in public accounting with the firm of Cobun & Baldwin, CPA's with offices in Los Angeles and Whittier. Upon the split of that firm, Jere went to work for Burt Arrington, one of the partners in the Whittier office. Eventually, Burt and Jere formed a partnership, Arrington & McDonald. In 1972, he left the partnership and started his own practice in Whittier. The firm, Jere E. McDonald, an Accounting Corporation, has been in Whittier for over 40 years. Jere, commonly referred to as "Sr.,"was also called "Dad" by three of his employees, Mary, Jere, Jr. and Judy. Work was his life and, through his work, he developed countless friendships that lasted his lifetime. Over the years, Jere was active in the community with the Whittier Jaycees, the Chamber of Commerce (1974-82) and as a member of the Whittier City Council. In January 1994 he married Billie Riggs and they settled in La Quinta, California. Here they formed many lifetime friendships, enjoying golf and travel together. Jere is survived by his wife, Billie; Beverly McDonald; his twin sister, Janet Babcock; and his five children and their families: Mary and Rick Canales with their children, Andrew and Emily; Linda and Ruben Rubio and their daughters, Jessica and Jenny; Judy and Billy Stark and their children, Katie and Brian; Jere Jr., and Liz and their children, Jere III, Jack and Madeline; Suzy and Charlie Garcia; and several nieces and nephews and their families. Donations can be made in memory of Jere to the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, 47470 Van Buren St., Indio CA 92202.
To view or sign this guestbook, please visit: desertsun.com/obituaries
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jere McDonald
2 Entries
Mike Licata
April 1, 2015
To the McDonald Family, I grew up across the street from the Family in Whittier.
I now live in the Desert and saw Jerry's Obituary in the newspaper. I just wanted to say that as a young boy I found your father to be a very nice man. I remember watching sports in the house with him. I also remember his shot on the basketball court. Hope all of you are well, wanted to send my condolences.
Mike
March 28, 2015
We are sad to have read about your loss. God is close to those that are broken at heart.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Jere McDonald's name
Memorial Events
for Jere McDonald
How to support Jere's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor Jere 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
