Michael J. MacDonald, a lifelong enthusiast of ALL THINGS DETROIT, died in Jacksonville, Florida on March 13th of cardiac complications. Know as Mike, Mac and “Moke” (to his Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity brothers), his wit and generosity were immeasurable. He was 81.
Born in Detroit, Michael attended St. Joan of Arc School, Parcells Middle School and Grosse Pointe High School. He continued his education at Michigan State University and Wayne State University. While a student at Michigan State, he began a lifelong relationship with Ann Warren MacDonald. They were married 57 years. Ann once commented that she knew Mike was “the one” when his mother related a family remembrance. At age 14, along with brother John, 18, the teens purchased a washer and dryer for Mom’s birthday. The cash needed for the purchase came from paper route and first job funds. Ann stated the MacDonalds were the kindest, most generous and funniest people on the planet and they mastered the art of the loving tease. Michael loved his family and friends. Success was an afterthought. These qualities followed Mike for life.
Michael began his career while a graduate student at Wayne State. He was head of Science Purchasing and often stated that buying frogs was a “big deal”. He then moved into sales at Detroit’s US Truck Company, Leaseway Transportation and finally American President Companies, Oakland, California.
The culmination of a long career in transportation/Logistics resulted in Artisan Associates Inc. Mike returned to Detroit and joined his two partners in a start up heavy haul logistic firm, domiciled on Joy Rd, Detroit. The three partners were very involved in the Detroit community, establishing ACTION ON JOY RD, supporting the philanthropy of Joy House (Christ Child Society) and the Detroit adjoining neighborhoods. This was a dream of finally establishing a company culture of good business partnerships, along with love for community.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Warren MacDonald; daughter, Katie MacDonald (Brian Wolstone); son, John C. MacDonald II; grandsons, Teme MacDonald and Tyler Wolstone, a sister, Sally MacDonald Reyst; brothers, John A. MacDonald (Harriett) and Peter C. MacDonald (Mickey); brother in law, Bill Warren (Chris) and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at St. Peters Episcopal Church, Fernandina Beach, FL, April 27 at 11:00 a.m., reception following in the Osprey Village villas dining room, 48 Osprey Village Dr., Amelia Island, FL 32034. A Detroit reception will be held on May 3, Detroit Athletic Club from 5:00-9:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be sent to Kevin’sSong.org, (Mike was a founding member emeritus), 21 Kercheval Ave., Suite 345, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 or St. Peters Church for EYC programs (Youth Ministry), 801 Atlantic Ave. Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.