Gary Donaldson

Gary Eugene Donaldson, 72, of Avoca, died Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at home surrounded by his family. He was born May 21, 1940 in Port Huron to the late William and Florence Donaldson. He married Bette Peterson on November 18, 1958 in Port Huron. Mr. Donaldson worked for Mueller Brass for 37 years before his retirement in 2003. He was a wonderful provider and family man who enjoyed making wood projects for Bette’s painting hobby. Gary also loved spending time outside with his wife and family, especially riding his motorcycle, sand rail, and quads, and traveling around Michigan. One of the couple’s favorite memories was their 50th wedding anniversary trip to Alaska. Gary is survived by his wife of 54 years, Bette; three children, Debra (Joseph) Dams of Avoca, Robert (Suzanne) Donaldson of Kimball, and William (Anne) Donaldson of Port Huron; six grandchildren, Jennifer Jakubowski, Brianne and Shane Donaldson, and Kerissa, Daniel, and Jared Donaldson; a sister, Beverly Donaldson; a half sister, Janet Bilyeu; a half brother, Harold Ainsworth; a special brother-in-law, Tom Peterson; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his step-mother, Pearl Donaldson; his step-father, Wellington Ainsworth; and a step-brother, Eugene Long. A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 13, 2013 in Countryside Christian Church, Yale, with visitation beginning at 3:00 p.m. Pastor Kraig Hug will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Countryside Christian Church Building/Siding Fund. Arrangements are by Pollock-Randall Funeral Home.