Albert McDonald was the youngest of five children born to Horace and Flossie McDonald of Main Ridge, Clarendon Jamaica. On March 15, 2019, at 12:06 am Albert went home to be with the Lord. He is survived by one sister, Iris Mae McDonald Wilson, from London, England, 12 children, 5 stepchildren, 38 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and 4 great- great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, sons and daughters-in-laws, and hosts of other relatives and friends.
Albert’s formative years were characterized by hard work and a relentless devotion to his children. Albert is best known for his undying commitment to his loved ones and being a provider to his children and family. While in Jamaica, Albert was known as a “Jack of All Trades.” Amongst his many trades, Albert worked as a refrigerator technician and an upholsterer. Taking pride in his role of not only being a father, but a provider, Albert ensured that his children would not want for anything. Albert’s youngest surviving son, Horace McDonald, quotes, “Though the major fashion designers did not come calling, my father did not have any problem stitching and making our school uniforms in order for us to look just as sharp as the other students.”
Playing the role of both mother and father to his youngest four surviving children, his youngest daughters cherish the memory of him styling their hair as young girls. Although it may be one of the slightest memories, it is remarkable how the smallest gestures have made such a profound impact. This is the influence that Albert had on the lives of many.
Well-respected in the Yorkville Community, Albert was known as a disciplinarian by his children and surrounding youth. While Albert sought to instill the value of an education to his children, he was strict to whomever defied him. While he was more creative in the ways he chose to instill values in his children, his undoubtedly creative method of discipline created an unfounded respect for him amongst everyone who knew him. The level of respect emanating from his children, inevitably permeated the attitudes of all who came into contact with Albert. Not only was he a jack of all trades, but the people’s shepherd, and was widely respected by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
In November 1980, Albert McDonald migrated to the United States where he settled in Fairfax, Virginia. Given the opportunity to establish a foundation for his family, Albert worked at Bekin’s Moving Company in Falls Church, Virginia before working at Army Navy Country Club until his retirement. Albert McDonald’s children and grandchildren remain indebted to him and are forever grateful for the sacrifices he made providing them the opportunity to migrate to the United States and touch the realms of social mobility and stability.
A devoted father, grandfather, and husband, Albert Louis McDonald spent his retirement in bliss with his late wife, Eleanor Gibson McDonald. Albert and Eleanor created an atmosphere of love that impacted anyone they came into contact with. Their union served as a stronghold for their blended family, and a legacy of love and laughter will forever lace the lives of his succeeding children, step children, grandchildren, and extended family. Albert Louis McDonald will be forever missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will forever live on through his surviving relatives.
We love you Daddy!
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