John Angus McDonald

WINSLOW – John Angus McDonald, of Winslow, passed away peacefully on Jan. 5, 2022. John was born in Gardiner on July 2, 1941 to John and Madeline McDonald. John graduated as class president from Gardiner High School in 1959, where he was captain of the Gardiner football team and a member of the National Honor Society. From a young age John developed a love of sports that would follow him throughout his life.After high school John continued on to Colby College. He always lit up when talking about his time at Colby, and as president of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After graduating from Colby, John left Maine for the first time as he pursued his MBA at Rutgers University. John had never lived outside of Maine, but grew to love the city, especially Manhattan. After graduating from Rutgers John joined the National Guard and returned to Maine. After completing active-duty training John moved to Boston with his best friend. He loved living in Boston where he could watch his beloved Boston Red Sox games in person. After living in Boston for six years he was offered his dream job as the CFO of LaVerdiere’s Drug Stores in Winslow. John Spent 25 years as CFO before retiring.In 1979 John married Gayle, the love of his life. Together they had a house built in Winslow, and a year later their daughter, Miah, was born. John also became a stepfather to Gayle’s son, Ryan. John loved being active. In the winter, John spent his weekends at his cabin at Sugarloaf Mountain. In the summer John enjoyed his time on Snow Pond, where he loved to take friends boating, tubing and waterskiing. His passion for sports continued in his adult years. He loved playing tennis and golf. In 1998 John and Gayle purchased a home in Naples, Fla. For many years they were able to enjoy their winters in Naples where he was a Red Sox season ticket holder, and their summers in Maine which allowed him to attend his grandson’s sporting events. John is survived by his wife, Gayle of 42 years; his daughter, Miah, husband Matt Marquis and grandson, Jaxson of Goffstown, N.H.; his stepson, Ryan Rodrigue, wife Julie of Morrill, and granddaughter Jazmine Rodrigue of Waterville; sister-in-law, Glenna and Larry Bartlett of Washington; and nieces Kim Austin and Missy Pease. John will be remembered for his kind and generous spirit, his willingness to help anyone at any time. He lived his life with the highest integrity. One of the phrases he lived by was ‘you can never have enough friends’ which lead to a life full of wonderful friendships. The family would like to thank the staff at Bedside Manor for the care they took of John over the past year and a half, especially Scott Berry who enjoyed a special bond with John. A memorial celebration will be held next summer. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to https://www.hvwa.org/