The name Jack MacDonald might not be a celebrity name but people all over the world could learn a thing or two about this man and his story. He was married to Mary Katherine Moore.
The lovely couple in the picture found each other late in life, however lived simply “comfortable”
Mary who came into Jack’s life while in his 50’s is described as the one who “brightened his life with joy and adventure.” At the time she was a widow with two grown children.
Her husband was born in Prince Rupert, BC, but his family moved to Seattle when he was three. He attended Broadway High School, the University of Washington and the UW Law School. After a three year Army stint in the South Pacific, he worked for 30 years as an attorney for the Veterans Administration in Seattle.
Mary Katherine and Jack married in 1971.They lived in Magnolia, then at Horizon House, and traveled extensively throughout the world until Mary’s death in 1999.
Jack who passed away this September at age 98, is described on his obituary as self-admittedly eccentric, he was a private man who lived frugally, clipping coupons and seeking bargains. Yet he was an able steward of his family trust.
Recent reports say Mary’s husband surprisingly left a fortune worth $187.6 million to charity. Mary’s daughter and Jack’s stepdaughter, Regen Dennis helped him wrtite his will three years ago and says,
“He felt really good about what he was doing with his money,” “and our family feels good about what he’s doing with his money.”
His hobby was the stock market, and he delighted in watching his trust increase in value to benefit local charities. A true philanthropist, Jack supported hundreds of causes with small donations, but was proudest to be a major contributor to Children’s Hospital and Medical Center and the University of Washington Law School.
Mary Katherine and her husband Jack, are survived by his step-children, Regen Dennis (Bruce); and Steven Moore (Cherie), their children Meghann Moore Rossi and Heather Blacketer, and one step-great-grandchild, Sofia Rossi.
Don’t you think is amazing how he never wanted to take any credit for the donations?
R.I.P. Mr. and Mrs. MacDonald.
