ELLSWORTH – Donald Ashley MacLeod, 99, died May 27, 2012, with his loving family at his bedside. He was born June 8, 1912, in Brewer.
Donald was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Marjorie Hazel (Smith) MacLeod; his eldest son, Donald “Butch” Ashley MacLeod; great-granddaughter, Ashley MacLeod; his parents, Eunice (Pooler) and Walter William MacLeod; and brothers, Stanley Alton, Carl Owen and Walter William MacLeod. He is survived by his sister, Gloria (MacLeod) Coyne of St. Petersburg, Fla.; son, Carl MacLeod and wife, Bette, of Goodyear, Ariz.; daughters, Marjorie “Muffin” Bray and husband, Milton of Deer Isle, Bonnie Linscott and husband, Thomas, of Oak Harbor, Wash., Suzanne Banis of Bar Harbor and Heather MacLeod and husband, Brady Harris, of Brewer; grandchildren D. Earl MacLeod, Malinda Matthews, Rhonda MacLeod-Acheson, Scott Marshall, Jeff Bray, Leah Travers, Loren Linscott, Luke Linscott, Amy Kincaid, Erin Banis, Carla Delaney, Clint Banis, Christopher Harris and Robben Harris; 15 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Donald and Marjorie were very active in United Baptist Church, Ellsworth. Donald enjoyed the friendship of his fellow cribbage players in the Senior Coffee Group. Donald attended Brewer High School and graduated from Gilman
High School, Gilman, Vt., and began his career in the paper mill industry there, moving on to Hollingsworth and Whitney Paper Co., Waterville; Scott Paper Co., Winslow; and then to Great Northern Paper Co., East Millinocket, where he retired in 1977. After his initial retirement, Donald was employed for 10 years by East Millinocket School Department. Donald was a faithful and cheerful volunteer for Meals for Me in Ellsworth. Donald was knighted into the St. Omer Commandery No. 12 of Waterville, in 1948, and holds a lifetime membership award. Sir Knight Donald MacLeod was recognized for his exemplary achievements as a Freemason and Knight Templar during a Special Conclave in Ellsworth in 2010. The Supreme Council of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite awarded Donald the 32nd degree, the second highest degree, in 2008, for adhering to the highest tenets of Scottish Rite Freemasonry for 60 years. Donald was further recognized in 2010 for his 75 years of meritorious support of Waterville Lodge No. 33. Donald and Marjorie were additionally recognized for 50 years of membership in the Grand Chapter of Maine, Order of the Eastern Star, and keeping its principles shining bright. Donald was a gifted musician who played several instruments in a wide variety of venues ranging from his high school orchestra to local nightclubs. He also sang in several church choirs and barbershop quartets around Maine. In addition to his love for music and camping, Donald was an avid reader and had the ability to remember everything he read. Though dignified and charming, his wonderful sense of humor could get him into and then out of trouble. The MacLeod family expresses appreciation to the in-home caregivers and the staff at Courtland Rehabilitation and Living Center for the exceptional, loving care given to Donald in a professional and sincere manner.
A memorial service will take place 1 p.m. June 8 at Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, 215 Main St., Ellsworth. The family will have a private celebration of Donald’s life. Burial will be in the family lot at Evergreen Cemetery, South Portland. Remembrance donations in Donald’s memory may be made to the Volunteer Program of Meals for Me, Ellsworth, 207-667-9039; and Friends in Action of Ellsworth, 207-664-6016. Online condolences for the family may be offered at
www.bragdonkelley.com.