Francis Mcdonald

Brother Benedict McDonald, 90, of Taos passed away on October 18, 2016. He was born on a ranch in Cupertino, California to Francis and Inez McDonald and was baptized Francis Edward McDonald Jr. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Marine Corps during WWII and served most of his 4 year tour in the South Pacific. After being honorably discharged in 1947, he worked as a barber for a short time. Missing the military life, he reenlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1949 and served in a clerical position in the Base Commander Office at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California. McDonald returned to civilian life in 1959 and worked in various positions; sales, real estate and teaching. In 1970 he vacationed and explored Mexico and fell in love with the mountainous town of San Miguel de Allende and settled there for 8 years and taught English to the locals both young and old. In 1978, McDonald moved to Washington DC where he was hired as a Field Representative for the National Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission, now known as the Veterans Administration. While in Washington, McDonald became interested in theology and took courses and read many books on the subject and eventually was awarded a Doctor of Ministry Degree in May 1998 at the Ancilla Domini Chapel in Donaldson, Indiana. Remembering his love of his mountain retreat in Mexico, he left Washington DC and traveled throughout the southwest and discovered Taos New Mexico in 1994 and decided to retire in this beautiful mountainous area. For many years he was a volunteer at Holy Cross Hospital and gained many friends in the community. All who came in contact with him were inspired by his compassion and his love for all people. He is survived by his younger brother, Loren McDonald, younger sister, Pearl Decker, nephews, many friends who he considered family in Taos, New Mexico Rosary was recited on October 25, 2016. Funeral mass was held on October 26, 2016. Both were held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church with interment following at 1:30 PM at the Santa Fe National Cemetery.