Obituary of Donald Campbell MacGillivray

Donald Campbell MacGillivray, better known by some as Don, Mac, Scottie and Pop Pop, moved on October 24 to a place of peace and tranquility at the age of 90. Don is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Irene M. MacGillivray. He is also survived by his three children; Kyle I. MacGillivray and son-in-law Huntley Stone of Easton, CT, Jill D. Worrall and son-in-law Jim Worrall of Denville, NJ and Glen D. MacGillivray and daughter-in-law Patricia MacGillivray of Eastchester, NY. Pop Pop is also survived by his nine grandchildren and significant others: Donny Kraft and companion Lori Christiansen, Jesse Kraft and wife Lourdes Kraft, James and Emma Worrall, Dylan and Lia Stone, and Kelly, Ryan and Sean MacGillivray. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Donald like so many others emigrated to the United States through Ellis Island with a dream. December 28, 1942 at the age of 21, Donald proudly received his Naturalization Papers. He is a US Army Veteran, Corporal, who served during World War ll. Subsequently, he was an agent for Allstate Insurance Company for 51 years. Donald met and became smitten with his future wife, Irene M. Pyle, at the Royal Insurance Company where they both worked. They married on July 4, 1946. They lived in Yonkers and Edgemont NY where they raised their children. After trying a downsized home in Bronxville, Don and Irene decided to build a house in Orleans, MA, where they had vacationed many times with their children. There they enjoyed one another as well as entertaining their children and grandchildren during their visits. They recently moved to Denville, NJ to live with Jill and her family. They wanted to be closer to the ones they loved, children and grand-children. A man who had a compassion for people and for living life fully, Mac volunteered, embraced family, sought to challenge himself and to have fun his full 90 years. Formal education did not end in 1939 upon graduating from Theodore Roosevelt HS in NY. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Mercy College in June, 1986, followed by a graduate degree from Long Island University. He enjoyed golf, a long term member of Leewood Golf Club of Eastchester, NY as well as camping and hunting in the mountain ranges of North America and Canada. Donald and Irene enjoyed traveling extensively once they became empty nesters. From the exotic trips to China and Africa to guided tours enjoying the natural beauty of Alaska, Baja's and Rockies they shared many happy and exciting adventures. Donald worked hard to make life easier and enjoyable for his extended family helping them as needed and sweeping them up in family vacations and celebrations. Donald generously gave his time to the Masons and as a Boy Scout Leader of Troop 400 (20 years). He also served with the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 11-6, of Orleans, MA. Donald was always there for anyone who needed his help and was devoted to his wife and family. He never dwelled on the bumps in the road and encouraged his children to follow this same philosophy. His compassion, zest for life, optimism and humor will never be forgotten as they will always live in the hearts of those he touched. We love you! A funeral service will be held on Friday October 28, 2011 at 10:30 AM at the Denville Community Church Diamond Spring Rd. Denville, NJ. Followed by burial in Denville Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Ave. Denville,NJ www.normandean.com. Please share a memory of Donald, by lighting a candle on our web site. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Denville Volunteer Fire Department, 2 Indian Road, Denville, NJ 07834 or to Cape Cod National Seashore at 99 Marconi Site Road, Wellfleet, MA 02267 (checks should be made out to National Park Service.)