“Mac” as known by his students and friends went to his eternal rest surrounded by family early in
the morning on Monday, July 15th. Mac loved teaching Agricultural Education and spent 37
years with his fellow “A teamers” planting the seeds of hard work, creativity and ingenuity into
multiple generations of students. He especially loved it when he was able to teach a son or
daughter of a former student. Richard was very well known throughout Greene County because
of his willingness to stop and chat with anyone. His warm presence drew people in even when
they might be busy or in a hurry. It did not matter where he went, if you were lucky enough to be
with him, you had better plan for an extra hour because he would inevitably run into someone he
knew or someone he had a connection with. He taught us all to be interested in others regardless
of the hurried pace of life. “Richard” as he was known by his loving wife Cynthia and family could discuss a wide variety of
topics and somehow, he would pull you into conversations about topics you never even knew existed. “Hit
and Miss” engines, the blueing of a beautiful vintage rifle, John Deere tractors, what to look for in
a fine bourbon, his grandson’s latest basketball game, the skills needed to obtain a part for a
historical car that he was re-building or what was the best all time John Wayne movie. Those
conversations never ended on Thursday nights when a group of his friends appeared at “Mac’s
Forge” to make something out of metal for a friend, a special occasion or just for fun. It wasn't as
frequent, but some of the most beautiful hand-crafted knives were made in that forge and ended
up in the hands of loved ones through out the country. In addition, many of the world’s problems
were solved in that shop as well as with fellow members of the MBPCR Club. Mac had a true
passion for long distance target shooting and loved all the people that enjoyed the sport with him.
He was so proud when he would win the competition in his age group, but far more important
was the relationship he built with his fellow competitors. They were a 2nd family in many ways. Richard’s life never transitioned too far away from the farm. Growing up on a farm, then teaching
Agriculture, being involved in FFA, 4-H and the Fair were a way of life for his family especially
supporting his granddaughters 4-H livestock shows. Sheep, pigs, and especially horses were a
love of Cindy’s and his three children, Ryan, Trisha and Emily. Whatever they loved, became a
love of his. Fixing an old car or hooking the horse trailer up for another competition or endurance
ride was just part of the job of being a husband and father. Of course, Richard always found
people to connect with at camp and on the road, but he was selfless with his time when it came to
his family. As they grew and changed, so did he. Fair animals and horses slowly transitioned to
motorcycles and ball games. In recent years, Richard and Cindy have been able to travel all over
the United States with many of the miles coming on the back of a Harley Tryke. They loved the
time in Monument Valley and all the National Parks, but more importantly, they loved the time
they got to spend with friends and family along the way. Their travels often brought them to
Shelby County for their grandkids ball games and of course, Richard became an adopted brother
of so many in the crowd. Richard was a man's man. He was not afraid to fix a baler even if it tore up his arms, help load
stubborn animals into a trailer even if they needed a little extra coaxing, drive the grain cart when he wasn't feeling well, or just making sure that his grip was firm (and often crushing) every time
he greeted you. However, the love and pride he had for Cindy, Ryan, Trisha and Emily will be how
he should be truly remembered. As death was nearing, all of Richard’s beautiful talents and
interests became secondary. Despite only being able to nod his head, Richard persisted for hours just so the right question could be asked. “Dad, do you want to tell us that you love us?” and then
the resounding up and down motion of his head in response. That was Richard “Mac” McDonald.
Our hearts are broken and he will be missed every day.
Richard was born on January 26th, 1947 and was 77 when he passed. He was preceded in death
by his father, James Wilfred McDonald, mother, Kathrine (Randall) (McDonald) Gregg and his
sister, Elaine (McDonald) Straley; brother-in-law, Tom Green.
Richard’s family includes his wife of 55 years, Cynthia (DeRemer) McDonald; son, James Ryan
and two granddaughters, Caitlyn and Elizabeth; two daughters: Emily McDonald and Trisha
(William) Reichert; grandchildren Aidan, Kellen, McKinley and Tatum; a sister, Ann Green.
A celebration gathering will be held on September 14th, 2024 at 4 p.m. at the McDonald’s home,
2430 Tarbox Cemetery Rd., Cedarville. Bring a lawn chair as the family gathers to share stories
and celebrate Richard’s life.
Memorial gifts may be made in his memory to JC Athletic Boosters, 204 South Linden St.,
Jackson Center, Ohio 45334 or Greene County Sheriffs Office, 120 East Main St., Xenia, Ohio
45385 In care of Greene County Youth Activity Fund
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