Francis James MacDonald, 83

Francis James MacDonald, 83, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2004, at the family home in Whitefish while under the care of his three loving daughters and their families.

Francis was born on May 13, 1921, to Frank R. and Anne M. MacDonald in Whitefish. He attended both grade school and high school in Whitefish until moving on to Carroll College in Helena.

In December of 1941 he enlisted in the U.S. Army/Aircorps and was stationed in northern France and Italy during World War II until he was honorably discharged in 1945.

After the war Francis worked for a time in Oregon with the U.S. Forest Service. Upon his return to Whitefish he went to work for the Great Northern Railroad as a conductor.

In 1947, he married Mary Margaret Arnold, and together they raised three beautiful daughters.

After retiring from the railroad in 1983, Francis spent much of his time focusing on his two great passions; his garden and his seven grandchildren. Francis will always be remembered for his biting sense of humor and his ability to turn everyday events into wonderful stories that will entertain friends and family for years to come.

Francis was an active member of St. Charles Parish and Knights of Columbus, and volunteered his time with the Stumptown Historical Society and Meals on Wheels.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary MacDonald; his parents, Frank R. and Anne M. MacDonald; stepmother, Dorothy MacDonald; brother, Harold MacDonald; and his son-in-law, Mike McFadden.

Francis is survived by his three daughters, Mary "Muff" Morrison, and her husband, John, Jeanie Schultz, and her husband, John, and Megan McFadden. He will also "live on in the spirit" of his seven beloved grandchildren, James Morrison and his wife, Heather, John and Josh Morrison, Leland and K.C. McNamara, and Aylee and Mary McFadden; and three great-grandchildren, Jessica, Amanda, and Matthew Morrison.

Francis is also survived by brothers, Reg, Ralph, Mike and Don MacDonald; his sister, Marguerite Schenck; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Donations may be made in memory of Francis to the Whitefish Food Bank, Stumptown Historical Society, or the Flathead Valley Hospice.

Memorial services for Francis will be a rosary at 7 p.m. today, Dec. 29, at Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish, followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, at St. Charles of Borromeo in Whitefish, with interment immediately following at the Whitefish Cemetery.