David Duncan McDonald

    David Duncan McDonald (also known as "Mac" to many), a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, peacefully passed away on Aug. 9, 2024. David was home with his two daughters, Julie and Kim; and grandson Seth by his side. He was eighty seven years old and lived in Libby, MT.

     David was born to Georgia Altheal and LaBurnen Clifford McDonald (also known as "Mac") in their home in Naples, ID, on November 23, 1936.  David was delivered by his grandmother, Nurse Shirley Chappell and Dr. Frey.  David's early years were shared with his brother Ralph who was three 1/2 years younger.  They lived in Sandpoint, ID, and then moved to Bonners Ferry, ID. David loved where he lived and took advantage of the beautiful outdoors doing the things he enjoyed.  He hunted, fished, swam, snow skied, water skied, ice skated, and played school sports.  After he graduated high school, David went on to join the U.S. Navy, and while he was on leave he met the love of his life, Rosie Cameron. They soon became engaged and he came home to be married on March 7, 1959.  They then moved to Long Beach, California, and finished out his time in the service on Oct. 27, 1960.

     David and Rosie then moved to Libby, MT, to start their life together and build a family.  David got a job with St. Regis Paper Co. and they had two daughters Julie and Kim.  They were building their first house together, and then David decided to go to college to make a better life for his family, so they moved to Spokane, WA. for him to attend the Spokane Community College.  He then worked full time and also went to school full time to get his electricians license so they could move back to Libby to raise their family.  He reapplied to St. Regis and got a job there again and also continued to go to school for computer programming for the mill. He worked there until his retirement.  David’s life was built on hard work and filled with love for his family.

     David and Rosie always had a garden to feed the family and to teach the girls how to grow and care for one.  The weekends were spent camping, fishing, hunting, swimming, and enjoying the outdoors. Once in a while he would surprise them with the boat loaded up after work to go waterskiing for a couple hours.  It was unlikely you would see David without Rosie, unless he was at work. They loved to do everything together.  Their favorite things to do together were hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. They soon purchased land to build their retirement home on Bull Lake.  They spent their time preparing the land themselves and building their home, and then Rosie became very ill.  Rosie fought for eight months with David by her side, but lost her hard battle with cancer on November 19, 1995.

     After some time had passed, David met his second wife Phyllis (Phyl) Johnson. They soon moved from Libby to the retirement home on Bull Lake, where they had many friends and family.  David soon built his "Dog House", the woodworking shop for him to build many treasures.  This hobby soon became one of David's favorites things to do, and he became very good at it. Papa and grandson, Seth, spent many hours building things in the woodworking shop. For many years, Seth was his shadow. They also did a lot of fishing together.  

     David loved playing Yahtzee games with the grandchildren then taking them out on the boat looking for turtles, fishing, swimming, or just having fun in the water.  David will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially his daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

     Sadly, David was predeceased by his parents and his wives, Rosie and Phyllis.  His memory will be forever held in the hearts of his surviving family. They include his daughter, Julie Volkenand of Libby; her children, daughter Holly Schneider (Anthony) of Nebraska, and son Seth Volkenand of Libby; great grandchildren (Holly’s children), Peyton Rose, Landis, and Rylan (all from Nebraska); his youngest daughter, Kim Strawbridge (Michael); her children, Kylie and Chloe (Cooney), and Maya Strawbridge all of Missoula, MT. David is also survived by his brother, Ralph McDonald (Bobbie); niece, Dawn, all of Panama City Beach, FL; nephew, Steve McDonald (Natalia); great nieces, Devon and Dylan; great nephew, Owen, all of Seattle, WA; and many other nieces and nephews.
 
     A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Libby Christian Church on Oct. 18, 2024, with a lunch following. David's favorite charities are Wounded Warrior, Shriners Children’s Hospital, and St.Judes. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, MT. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.

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