Philip E. McDonald, Jr.

September 21, 1944  -  October 29, 2022

PHILIP EDWARD MCDONALD, JR, 78, died on October 29, 2022, in Rockford, joining his brother Bruce whom he lost weeks before, of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Those of us so honored to love and be guided by “Skip,” always in control, are grateful for every moment. Despite his gruff exterior, we confirm his heart of gold. He took care of us. The wisest among Skip’s family, community, and friends learned to surrender to his exacting ways and superior intellect, but not without rebellion, which we believe he secretly relished. Skip graduated from Auburn High and achieved his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Denver. He joined his father, Philip Sr., and his Uncle John Brearley at the Brearley Company in Rockford, founded by his grandfather, Walter Brearley. Later Skip created and headed Magnified Promotions until his retirement. Skip enlisted and served his country as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, a platoon leader for the 1st Cavalry Division, 7th Air Cavalry, Third Mechanized Infantry division, 5th Battalion, “A” Company, in Vietnam in 1969. He was awarded the Purple Heart for physical wounds survived in battle that treacherous year; later Agent Orange revealed its hidden threat. Skip was fervent in his pride of servicemen and women and sacrifices they made. In March, 1970, he married his sweetheart, Betty (Yi Yang-Yi), who wrote him every day of deployment. Devoted to each other, Skip’s finest achievement was ensuring Betty’s life was filled with joy, friends, and adventure across her battle with Alzheimer’s until her passing February 2018. Remarkable daughters, Micha and Okcha McDonald, fulfilled that same devotion to their father throughout his illness and with unbending love across his passing. Skip was blessed to find new love with Beth Gregory, his partner through fun and sorrows, a lovely miracle for which we are forever grateful. Skip absolutely loved kids, and “Uncle Fish” delighted his nieces and nephews, and their children, with his mischievous antics and thoughtful gifts, blue eyes twinkling and head thrown back in laughter. Skip was an avid and skillful golfer, bowler, hunter, and fisherman, enjoying decades of bonding with family and dearest friends. His dancing to 60’s favorites was a sight to behold! “Wooly Bully” is indebted to Skip’s carefree interpretation. A lifelong Chicago Bears fan, Skip never gave up on recruiting his CA nephew to come over to the “right” team. Giving back to organizations such as Northern IL Hospice, AmVets, University Club scholarships, Alzheimer’s Association, Harlem Vet Project/Midway Village, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and land/wildlife conservation causes were very important.

So, Skip, may the road rise up to meet you. Mission accomplished, with honors.

Skip leaves behind his daughters, Micha McDonald of Rockford, and Okcha McDonald (Larry Goldwasser) of Chicago; brothers James D. McDonald (Barbara Kirk McDonald) of Rockford, and Robert A. McDonald (Michelle Flaminio McDonald) of Wisconsin Rapids, WI; sister Ann McDonald-Cacho (Bernard Cacho) of Berkeley, CA; sister-in-law Deborah Tennant McDonald (Bruce McDonald) of Rockford, Myong Yi of Rockford ; girlfriend Beth Gregory of Rockford; nieces and nephews Megan, Nathan (Jessica), Sarah (Sam), Jordan (Kari), David (Karyn), Cody Ann, Trevor (Amie), Philip, Molly (Mike), Amanda, Cole, July, Chong, Trina, Candise, Sylia; grand nieces and nephews Moriah, Jake, Josh, Griffin, Hannah, Eleanor, Job, Ava, Parker, Beckham, Alden, Zavier, Macklynn; and his loving Brearley, Squellati, Power, and Franchini cousins; buddy Danny Behr (Jane) and lifelong friends that seem to outnumber the stars. Skip was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter E. Brearley and Anne Carter Brearley, and Arthur B. McDonald and Elizabeth Damuth McDonald; his parents, Philip E. McDonald, Sr. and Elizabeth Brearley McDonald; wife Betty (Yi Yang-Yi) McDonald; and brother, Bruce B. McDonald; uncles John C. Brearley and Jerome Power, and aunt Shirley McDonald Power.

A celebration of life is pending. Please check back with the Olson Funeral Home site. Gifts in Skip’s memory to benefit Northern IL Hospice for sensitive care of our family (www.niha.org<http://www.niha.org>) will be greatly appreciated. To send condolences or share memories and photos, please visit www.olsonfh.com

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Philip, please visit our Tree Store or plant a tree