Lee Raymond Mcdonald Jr.

Lee Raymond McDonald Jr., 69, died April 9, 2019 when he succumbed to his body’s many weak systems. Lee was a valiant and enduring fighter. He cheated death many times throughout his existence on this earth. He had always rallied to continue his journey, but this final battle drained his fervor to continue.
Lee is the first child born to Lee R. McDonald Sr. and Laura Jean Weeks McDonald. He entered the world February 27, 1950 in Logan, Ut.
He moved many times with his family residing in Logan, Brigham City, Seattle Washington, and settled in Smithfield. Lee Graduated from Sky view high school. He tested his way at a few jobs and some colleges, but found his niche employed at Wurlitzer Piano for the duration of the company’s presence in Logan.
Lee was skilled at many activities, but became the most fulfilled working with wood and creating unique and useful items. He constructed a lodge pole barn on his property in defiance of the doctors guarded prognosis after a massive heart attack in 1992. This was a beloved memory of time spent with his father and brothers who he loved.
Lee married the sister of a best friend. Charlyn Grossman became his bride and companion on September 29, 1972 in Smithfield, Utah. They lovingly endured each other for over 46 years.
After many years of wishing and waiting, they had a cherished daughter, Leesa. A few years later another miracle occored. Their second daughter Kayla was born to their delight.
Lee was a kind, caring, and gentle man with a rough, tough exterior to those who didn’t know him. He had a fantastic wit and sense of humor. He had a good time laughing with people and making them smile. He could also be quite facetious.
Lee loved the outdoors and was always planning the next fishing adventure. However, the true treasures of his life were his daughters. He loved sharing his passion for the outdoors with them and taking them on rides up Smithfield canyon in his old Chevy truck to fish in the creek. He became “Mr. Mom” to the girls after becoming disabled, and being unable to return to work. He enjoyed including his girls in planting a garden each summer, and relished in the delight that his creative holiday traditions brought to them. They spent countless hours together cooking and eating his unique cuisine over the years. As his health declined, he still wanted to spend time with “his ladies.”
Lee’s most precious joy of all, was his granddaughter, Sophie. She would spend time with her poppy sitting in the recliner or drawing him pictures. He reveled in her attention and marveled at her abilities and talents. She was the subject of his last conversations as he described her antics to all of his visitors. Many times he commented that she was part of the reason he kept enduring his discomforts.
Lee is survived by his wife, Char, his daughters Leesa and Kayla, and by his granddaughter Sophie. He is also survived by his mother, Laura McDonald; his siblings, Dale (Shannon) McDonald, Eunice (Leonard) Dillon, David (Laura) McDonald, Archie McDonald, Scott (MaryAnn) McDonald, and Carolyn (Kurt) Benson; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lee R. McDonald Sr., his grandparents, Laurence and Opal Weeks, and Lloyd and Myrtle McDonald. He was also preceded by a sister-in-law, Cindy McDonald, a brother-in-law, Ray Hyden, and a nephew, Ryan McDonald.
Many thanks to all who have been there for our family providing care and support while Lee battled his many wars in life. Lee will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that a contribution be made to a memorial account in Lee’s name at USU Credit Union in Smithfield to assist with medical and funeral expenses. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary. A viewing will be held April 15, 2019, from 6 to 8 pm at Allen-Hall Mortuary 34 East Center Street in Logan. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday April 16, 2019 beginning at 12:00 noon at the Smithfield 11th Ward LDS Church located at 79 E 200 S Smithfield, with a viewing prior from 10:30 to 11:30 am.