Philip McDonald Obituary

Philip Thomas McDonald, age 96, was born on October 4, 1928, in Marshfield, Wisconsin and died peacefully at home in Denver, Colorado on July 8, 2025. Phil was the third of four children born to Margaret (Van Hecke) and John Stephen McDonald. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his two older brothers, John McDonald and James McDonald, and his younger sister, Mary McDonald Gorzalski.

Marshfield afforded Phil the experience of growing up in a small town during the depression years and World War II. His memories were filled with stories of family connections and good times, hard work as a paper boy, coal shoveler for the school furnace, summer lifeguard at the local pool, and hockey player. His love of the outdoors was instilled at an early age, and he would continue to enjoy this pursuit for the rest of his life.

In 1946, Phil attended the University of Wisconsin and transferred to St. Norbert College where he received a liberal arts degree. Upon graduation, he joined the US Air Force and served stateside during the Korean war. Phil married Claire Schreiner (now deceased) prior to being sent to Officer Candidate School at Connelly Air Force Base in Waco, Texas where the first of their six children was born. He graduated as a Second Lieutenant and was assigned to Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado, where he was a navigational instructor for the flight school. They settled in Denver in 1953 after he was honorably discharged from the Air Force.

Phil found success as an insurance broker in the rapidly growing post-war Denver area. He completed post graduate courses as a Certified Life Underwriter in order to offer his clients a wide ranging level of support in financial matters. He owned his own agency and represented State Mutual of America for nearly forty years. When he wasn’t working, Phil spent time with his growing family. He role modeled service to others by volunteering in the community. Many times, his children would accompany him as he helped those in need of transportation. He was very active in many facets of St. John’s Catholic Parish; he tutored many people working on their GEDs at churches, schools, and prisons; and helped serve food to the homeless.

In addition to volunteering in the community, he impressed upon all six of his children that education was important, not only, for success in life, but also, to recognize the enrichment that comes from books and continual learning experiences. He enjoyed a lifetime of Great Books discussions and attending lectures through the University of Denver Enrichment Program. Phil had an amazing sense of humor putting people at ease. Family gatherings were a highlight, and large or small, conversation and laughter always flowed. Favorite gatherings were with his brother John’s family on holidays or summer picnics.

He loved to sing and would start singing with his family around a campfire, on a car trip, while cross country skiing and hiking, or any holiday. In fact, for several years he and his son, Steve, sang in the choir at midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at the Cathedral.

He always welcomed friends and family to join him in all his activities and journeys. He was an excellent handball player, earning many local and state championships. He treasured time in the mountains, going to the cabin, playing horseshoes, hiking, climbing fourteeners, and cross country skiing. He was a member of the Colorado Mountain Club where he met his present wife, Leta.

Together Phil and Leta travelled to places as far away as the Himalayas. One of Phil’s proudest moments was climbing to the summit of Kala Patar (18,500’) next to Everest. On the descent he met Sir Edmund Hillary, and they trekked together to the base of the mountain, making for priceless photos and memories.

Phil McDonald cared about people; he will be greatly missed and always be loved. 

Phil is survived by his wife of 38 years, Leta McDonald and her children, Tom McKendree, Beth McKendree, and granddaughter, Rose Kelly and by his children Christine McDonald Wester, Anne McDonald Culp (Rex), Steve McDonald (Mary), Tom McDonald (Anne Hirsch), Mary McDonald, and Jim McDonald (Maggie).

He is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Celine Burgett (Jeremy Rudolf), John McDonald (Kathleen), Paul McDonald (Yarrow Spitzfaden), and Adam McDonald; Kate Kulp (JT Whitmarsh); Stephen Wester, Annie Wester Jones (Zach) and James Wester; Nicholas McDonald (Ruby Crews), Charlie McDonald (Samantha Ward), and Galen McDonald (Kate Grover); Jonah Clyman; Jack McDonald (Tisa Carson), and Will McDonald (Hannah Mimmack); and ten great grandchildren: Tony McDonald, Naia Spitzfaden and Cassidy McDonald; Jacob, Declan, and Abby McDonald; Henry and Evelyn Jones; June Clarice McDonald; and Keita Carson.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to consider donating to Denver’s Haven of Hope https://www.thoh.org or a charity of your choice.