Leo Allen McDonald, 70
Leo Allen McDonald died unexpectedly at Lake Alva with a fishing pole in his hand, on Aug. 31, 2019, at the age of 70.
Leo was born on June 24, 1949, in Whitefish to Mary and Julius McDonald. He graduated from Lincoln County High School, Eureka. Upon graduation Leo joined the Army.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Anita McDonald. He married Anita McDonald Aug. 2, 1971. They lived in several different states but always settled back in Montana. He worked as a logger for his family owned company, Owens and Hurst Sawmill, as an oilman in Wyoming, the railroad in Whitefish and for the aluminum plant in Columbia Falls. He built and remodeled several homes with his wife Anita, doing almost all the work themselves. Together they built their last home in Eureka.
He had a mischievous nature and loved to give his grandchildren a hard time, putting his hands on his knees and leaning forward laughing, cracking himself up. That laughter and jokester personality put a smile on many people’s face. He was a great storyteller and loved to make people laugh.
Leo had a passion for hunting and fishing and loved nothing more than sharing that with his family and friends. His greatest pleasure was being out in the woods or on a lake fishing. Leo’s last day on this earth couldn’t have been more perfect for him. He spent the day on the lake under Montana’s blue sky, fishing in a canoe with his grandson.
Leo will be forever missed and was greatly loved by so many!
Leo is survived by his three daughters, their children and grandchildren, including Susan Tempel and husband Timothy Tempel of Eureka, their children, granddaughter Danika Schiele and Jared Incoronato and great-grandson Cole Incoronato, granddaughter Lacey Schiele and great-granddaughter Zoe Schiele, grandson Kaden Tempel, grandson Trenten Tempel; Charie Carvey and husband Floyd Carvey of Libby, grandson Colter Dickinson, grandson Jake Dickinson and Kelsey Edwards and great-granddaughter Kylie Dickinson, grandson Timothy Carvey, granddaughter Emily Carvey; and Diane Warren and husband Steve Warren of Missoula, their children and grandchildren, granddaughter Hannah Kincheloe, grandson Zac Kincheloe and wife Stephanie Kincheloe, granddaughter Maddy Warren, granddaughter Tyler Warren and Brett Campbell, great-grandson Carter Campbell and great-granddaughter Addison Campbell, granddaughter Amanda Warren and fiance Matt Wolter.
A funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at The Church at Creston, with a reception to follow at 5447 MT Highway 35, Kalispell, located just off of Highway 35 between Kalispell and Bigfork. Tim Harmon will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Leo’s life.