Born in Taos, New Mexico, January 10, 1930, and he took his final breath on April 10, 2022.
George lived his life to the fullest. Although very young he helped his grandfather make and deliver bootleg whiskey to various places in the San Luis Valley, during the prohibition. Then he started working in the silver, gold and ore mines in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico with his father when he was 15. At 22, he got drafted and for the next 3 ½ years he served as a master sergeant in the Army during the Korean War in a mash unit. He had a fear of flying and heights because two of the helicopters he was in were shot down and he almost lost his life.
He married at 26 and during that marriage he had six beautiful children. He loved life and made sure he lived it to the fullest. Although he traveled between New Mexico, Colorado and Utah and California, he loved Colorado and made his home here for the last 50 years. He enjoyed Western and Mexican music and was avid to dance with the lovely ladies. George was well known in the Del Norte school district, his voice echoed in the stands, when he got excited. He loved to support the Del Norte Tigers. He spent several years being a guide and a cook in a hunting camp, his love for the mountains resounded in him. He had every one of John Wayne movies in his memory. He also had the opportunity to be cast in one of those old western movies. In addition, George loved working on cars. His specialty was restoring engine heads. He knew those like the back of his hand. He began restoring his own old cars and then started helping others with their restoration projects as well into his 90’s, and he still loved getting under those old cars. He spent the last few years with his friends having lunch and talking over old times. His knowledge of History was astounding. He loved sharing his stories with everyone. He loved to read. Louis Lamour was one of his favorite authors, but his passion was reading the bible. He was a faithful servant of his God, Jehovah. He loved to read and study the bible and share the truths from there, with others. He had full confidence in all that was written, would come true. During his last days, he had his daughters, granddaughter’s and grandsons read to him from the bible. He was confident about the words in Revelation 21:4, He will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore… And Acts 24:15 … there will be a resurrection.
He is survived by his brother Tommy (Stephanie) McDonald, his loving children: Rebecca McDonald, Maggie (Steve) Trujillo, Paul McDonald, Theresa Garcia and his loving adopted grand-children Shawn (Kathy) McDonald, Antoinette (Chris) Reed. In addition, he had 18 other grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 2 great- great grandchildren, 5 nephews and 4 nieces and so many fine friends we can’t mention them all.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Ora and Margaret McDonald, Brother, Buddy McDonald, Sisters, Betty Armstrong and Carolyn Woodard, Son, Matthew McDonald, Daughter Elizabeth Salazar, Granddaughter, Amanda McDonald, great grandson Kian McDonald
He was loved by many, hated by few and admired by all. He will be missed. There will be a memorial and a celebration of his life on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at 2 pm at the High Valley Community Center, 595 Grand Avenue, Del Norte, Colorado.
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