BRUNSWICK – Bruce McDonald passed away unexpectedly June 15, 2011. Loved by his family, Bowdoin classmates, neighbors, coworkers and friends, he has been described as a true gentleman, an astute businessman, a gentle father and husband, and a generous volunteer of his time, talent and personal resources. Born in Portland, to Vera (Fales) McDonald and Ralph Edmund McDonald, Bruce was an only child.
He graduated from Cony High School and Bowdoin College, and belonged to Zeta Psi fraternity. Upon graduation he married Elizabeth (Buff) Wagner Grant of Cape Elizabeth, and then enlisted and served in the Army and Army Reserves. During the next three decades, Bruce and Buff raised three children together. Bruce’s professional accomplishments include research work at Shockley Laboratory, as well as a long career in electrical technology, battery manufacturing and marketing with PR Mallory and Duracell. His field of specialization was lithium batteries, which gained him a national reputation. He traveled the world, frequently visiting Asia, the Middle East, Europe, India and Australia. After retiring, Bruce was a tireless volunteer with United Way, Danbury, Conn., lending his business acumen while gaining new insights into the world of nonprofits and service organizations. He served as class agent for Bowdoin’s Class of 1957, and held leadership positions in the Saugatuck River Power Squadron, Westport, Conn., and Sprite Island Yacht Club, Norwalk, Conn. Back in Maine, Bruce was a well known face at Mid Coast Hospital, Brunswick, running the cafeteria cash register several mornings a week and he served on the board of Pine Grove Cemetery. Bruce’s musical talents lead him into the world of barbershop singing. He sang baritone for several years in the award winning Speed Capitol Chorus, Indianapolis, and the Wild Cards barbershop quartet. Bruce and Buff’s love of sailing shaped the family’s leisure time throughout the years. They spent many happy days cruising Long Island Sound and the many inlets and waterways of southern New England with their children and grandchildren. In later years he was a tireless and tender caregiver for Buff as she battled Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly three years after her death, Bruce had once again found love and was in the midst of planning his second wedding.
Bruce is survived by his daughter, Jill McDonald and grandchildren, Seth Tremble, of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Taylor and Kaileigh Tremble of Brewer; son, Brian McDonald and his wife, Marianne, and grandchildren, Cory and Meredith, of Norwalk, Conn.; and son, Alan and his wife, Beth, and grandchildren, Ryan and Lauren, of Ellicott City, Md. He is also survived by his fiance, Constance Barker and her family of Brunswick and Orr’s Island; his first cousin, Marion McDonald of Portland; sisters-in-law, Patricia Grant Tifft and Alison Grant Small; several nephews and nieces. He is sadly missed by his beloved Scottish terrier, Briar. Bruce was predeceased by his parents and his wife.
A time of visitation will be held 6-7 p.m. Thursday, June 23, at Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal St., Brunswick. A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, June 25, at First Parish Church, Brunswick. Donations in Bruce’s memory may be made to the Bruce McDonald, Class of 1957, Scholarship Fund at Bowdoin College. Condolences may be expressed at
www.brackettfuneralhome.com.