Jack R. McDonald passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2020 with his wife Virginia and his son Jeff by his side. Jack was born in Empire, Calif. on November 2, 1935 to Marcella and Jack McDonald.

Jack knew at an early age he wanted to be in law enforcement. At the age of 20, he became a dispatcher for the Modesto Police Dept. A year later he was sworn in as an officer for the MPD. Officer McDonald began his career with the California Highway Patrol on January 8, 1962. Upon graduation April 5 of that year, he was appointed to the Barstow area and worked out of Needles and the substation in Parker, Calif. He transferred to the Merced Area May 7, 1964. On March 14, 1966, he transferred to Humboldt County. He remained in Humboldt County, where he retired in 1977.

After retirement, he became a “Jack of Many Trades” and enjoyed them all. He is survived by his wife Virginia of sixty-four years and son Jeffrey McDonald. He is also survived by his sister Sharon Heiny (Dick). Jack is also survived by his grandchildren: Brian Renner (Jennifer), Todd Renner (Julie), Kelly Chadbourne (Benton), Brenden McDonald (Jodie), Ryan McDonald, Christie Wiley (Caleb), Katie Eckhardt (John), Dani Hanson and fourteen great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Kym Anderson of Fortuna. A private service will be held at Ferndale Cemetery. Due to COVID-19, a memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Society of Eureka in memory of Jack.

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