Larry Low McDonald, age 73, died peacefully Monday, April 6, 2009, at Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee, following his battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Larry was born December 14, 1935, to Irvin and Gladys McDonald in Wenatchee. He graduated from Cashmere High School in 1954. Larry was the senior class and student-body President and also worked for Tiny's Fruit Stand. He attended Wenatchee Valley College and was on the college baseball team. Following college, he went to work for Safeway in 1960, where he opened the Cashmere store. He then became the Produce Manager for the Wenatchee Safeway, where he continued to work through the end of 2008. Larry made many wonderful friends through his years at Safeway and touched many lives. Tracey "Ace" Manning worked with him in produce for 20 years and was guided each day by Larry's words and encouragement. With their experience in the produce department, Larry and Tracey became active Horticulture judges for the Chelan and Douglas County Fairs together. Larry was a member of the Cashmere Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and Deacon. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Cashmere Lions Club. Larry married Bernice Cherry in 1955. From their marriage, they had four children, Lori, Cindi, Cheri and Kevin. While raising his family, he was actively coaching Youth League baseball and busy running the family orchards. In 1972, Larry married Marnell Todd. Our father and grandfather enjoyed hunting and fishing with friends and family, attending Cashmere sporting events in all of his orange and black gear, and spending time at his lakefront cabin on Lake Chelan. One of his favorite times of the year was Christmas, when the families came together to share their love, memories and holiday festivities.Survivors include his wife, Marnell; sister, Jolene (Freeman) Moore; daughters, Lori (Dennis) Harris and Cindi (Bill) Hansen; son, Kevin McDonald; stepchildren, Kathy (Larry) Bendtsen, Kim Fenner and Rob (Heidi) Todd; grandchildren, Michael Harris, Cassie Harris, Sharmi Rix, Tiffany Stephenson, Sandra Flores, Aaron and Derek Todd and Kyle Fenner; great-grandchildren, Ashley Harris, Malaki Harris and Hayden Beatley; and longtime friends and caregivers, Tracey "Ace" Manning and Alberto Silva. Preceding him in death were his mother and father, Irvin and Gladys McDonald; brothers, John and Lynn McDonald; daughter, Cheri Becker; and stepdaughter, Ellen Todd.Larry McDonald was a loving husband, dedicated father and grandfather, respected friend and hard worker. He will be remembered forever and deeply missed by all.Viewing will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2009, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Jones & Jones~Betts Funeral Home in Wenatchee. The Funeral will be held on Monday, April 13, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Cashmere. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Cashmere Presbyterian Church or the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society. Arrangements by Jones & Jones~Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee.
Posted in Wenatchee World April 10, 2009