Obituary of Robert Macdonald

Lt. Col. Robert J. Macdonald, a resident of Burlington for 49 years passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012 He was a man who believed in Family, Faith, Community, and Country. He worked tirelessly when he believed in a cause or candidate to accomplish his objective. Bob was a first generation American. His parents were Canadian immigrants and Bob was born at the family home in Arlington Heights. He grew up in Arlington and was a graduate of Matignon High School. Bob received a Chemical Engineering Degree from Northeastern University and a Masters Degree from both Babson and Merrimack College. He was always seeking a greater understanding of history, genealogy, and politics as could be seen on his bookshelves. Bob had worked at Sanders Associates for most of his working career. He worked as a financial analyst and at the time of his retirement, had been the liaison for Sanders and the U.S. Government. Bob was very proud of his service to his country and community. He was a member of the ROTC at Northeastern University. He spent over 25 years in the Army Reserves and had moved up the ranks and held the rank of Lt. Colonel at the time of his retirement. Bob’s presence was seen all over Burlington. He served on the Board of Registrars for 21 years, Town Meeting Member, Ways and Means member, and member and past Chairman of the Burlington Republican Town Committee. Bob’s involvement in the community also included being a member of the Knights of Columbus and Treasurer for the Burlington Hockey and Skating Association and Boy Scouts, Troup 105. He was a member of the Military Officers Club at Hanscom Air Force Base and Burlington Country Club. His wife of 50 years, Dorothy (Dotty), shared in many of his beliefs and virtues and worked together in many activities and interests. They enjoyed traveling and golfing together and worked on countless political campaigns. The greatest gift he gave his children and grandchildren was his belief in giving oneself to your family, faith, and community while holding firm in your virtues and ideals. Bob was the beloved husband of 50 years of Dorothy (Chisholm) Macdonald. He was the loving father of Robert J. Macdonald, Jr. & his wife Kathy of Tewksbury, Christine Raymond & her husband Brian of Woodinville, WA, and Douglas Macdonald & his wife Robin of Wilmington. He was the brother of Mary Macdonald of Newburyport. He was the proud grandfather of Kaitlin, Kassidy, Katrina, Kristin, Bianca & Andrew Macdonald and Kenny, Allison & Joanne Raymond. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Robert’s name may be made to Lahey Health, C/O Philanthropy, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01805.