Obituary

Bruce P. Macdonald, 89, formerly of Belvidere, Proud Air Force Korean War Veteran, passed away April 5, 2023 in Rockford at his assisted living.

Born Sept. 6, 1933 to Harriett (Porter) and Thomas Macdonald in New York City.  The family was then transferred to Washington, D.C. for two years before returning to New York.  Experiencing the 1939 New York World’s Fair with his grandparents was a treasured memory for Bruce. In late 1939, they moved to Garden Prairie, IL, home of his Mother’s parents.  Bruce loved sports, lettering in several at Belvidere High School.  He then enlisted into the Air Force.  From Lackland Air Force Base to Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, Bruce served in the 13th Tactical Air Command seeing active combat.  Once home, he became a licensed electrician, starting an electrical company with employees which he ran for 40 years before retiring.

On June 18th, 1960 he married Mary Ann Coppernoll in Belvidere, raising their three children during the 59 yr marriage.  Mary predeceased him in 2019.  The family raised and showed horses for many years.  His daughter and he restored an antique buggy which is still used in horse parades.  After retirement,

Bruce and Mary volunteered with Meals on Wheels, as School Reading Mentoring leaders, Senior Olympics and a riding stable for the handicap.

Discovering antique railways and train tours was a love of his.  Many Summers were spent visiting the West for Rocky Mountain Train tours where they continued to meet his best friend from elementary school, a friendship of over 75 years.  Bruce’s true passion was his work to bring a Korean War Memorial to Winnebago County for all those lost in our tri-county region.  As one of the founding members of Korean War Veterans Post #272, years were spent fundraising until the Memorial’s dedication in July 2008 at the Veteran’s Field of Honor.  He was a Life Member of Korean War Assoc 272, serving as Treasurer, Life Member of VFW Post 1461, American Legion Post 332, Post 904 and felt honored to be a part of Harlem High School’s Veterans Project in 2019.  Bruce and Mary donated many hours, with Post 272 members, putting together care packages for the enlisted, collecting items for Veterans in nursing homes and performing Honor Guard duties.  He also loved rodeos and researching his family Scottish history.

Survivors include children Michele (Paul) Gendron, Jeffrey (Teresa) Macdonald, Angela (Rob) Hofstetter, grandchild Ashley(Brad) Hancock, great-grandchildren Morgan, Micah, Merrick.  Cousin Betty, whom was like a sister, dear friends Bill and Betty Doran, special neighbors, The Dyes, plus his large Veteran family.  Special thanks to the kind staff at Grand Victorian, OSF and No.IL. Hospice.

Services will be Thursday, April 27, 2023 at Sunset Funeral Home. Visitation from 4:30-5pm, Service at 5pm with Military Honors, dinner to follow.  Burial of both urns will be on June 18th, their wedding anniversary.