Robert “Mac” MacDonald, age 78, of Gaylord, died Tuesday, May 27 at Aspen Ridge Retirement Village. Mr. MacDonald was born on Nov. 22, 1929 in Grand Rapids and was raised in Bay City until he was 17 years old and joined the service. He served in the Navy for four years during the Korean conflict, and then returned to Bay City after his service.

He was employed with the Bay City Police Department for 12 years, and then served additional years in law enforcement with other departments. He moved to Gaylord in 1967, and then to Vanderbilt in 1994. Bob was one of the founding members of the John Cottrell American Legion Post #458 of Gaylord.

He was employed at Georgia Pacific for 28 years, retiring in 2000. Mr. MacDonald attended the Pigeon River Baptist church in Vanderbilt, and enjoyed fishing, feeding the birds and squirrels, tending to his rosebushes, his daily walks, and especially spending time with his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by Carol, his wife of 56 years; children, Kelly (Stephanie) of Florida, Wendy (Eric) McPherson of Kansas, Joy (Neil) Brasseur of Vanderbilt and Cindy (Chip) MacDonald of California.

Also surviving are nine grandchildren who knew him as “Papa”; and 16 great-grandchildren, who called him “Grandpa-great.” He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Ralph & Christine MacDonald.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, May 30 at 3 p.m. at Aspen Ridge Retirement Village, Gaylord, Pastor Robert McClendon officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan, Aspen Ridge, or Pigeon River Baptist Church of Vanderbilt, through the Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord MI 49734.

--Share condolences online, www.nelsonsfuneralhome.com

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