John "Pat" W. Mcdonald

John William "Pat" McDonald Jr. Philipsburg: John William "Pat" McDonald passed away on November 15, 2017. Pat was born on February 27, 1927 to John William "Big Mac" McDonald and Sarah "Agnes" McDonald at the family ranch in Philipsburg, in the same room where his father was born. Pat spent his entire life on the ranch. He graduated from Granite High School in 1945 and was a proud member of the high school basketball team. He spent his youth working on the ranch. Pat was fascinated by aviation and at age 20 learned to fly, practicing his take-offs and landings in nearby hayfields. In 1951, Pat met Esther Johnson at the Top Cut Bull Sale in Missoula where he was selling registered Hereford bulls. Pat and Esther were married on November 28, 1953 in Hamilton. They spent nearly 65 years together, running the ranch and raising their eight children. In addition to ranching, Pat ventured into numerous enterprises and adventures throughout his life. He was stricken with gold fever at an early age and was a partner in several mining properties. He owned and operated a sawmill, raised and sold hay from a ranch in Washington, and owned a flying service that included his favorite plane-an open cockpit Stearman. Pat and his friends Jess Evans and Cleve Metcalf were pioneering snowmobilers. They hooked their small Elan snowmobiles together, giving them the extra power needed to access remote areas in the Frog Pond Basin south of Philipsburg. On more than one occasion they ended up spending the night in the backcountry but were well prepared because they customized the snowmobiles to carry survival supplies. Pat's greatest pride was the family ranch, which was homesteaded in 1868 by his grandfather's great aunt Henrietta Schnepel. He often told the story about when Henrietta arrived at the north end of the valley, the Indians headed south. Pat possessed a wealth of knowledge on water issues in Montana and was a staunch defender of the ranch's water rights. In his later years, he enjoyed hunting gophers, spraying weeds, gathering firewood, snowmobiling, riding his four-wheeler, and hosting the annual Memorial Day gathering of family and friends at the ranch. Pat had a lifelong interest in the history of the Flint Creek Valley and Montana in general. He loved to reminisce and share stories about the early days on the ranch. He was a sports fan and spent many hours watching his children and grandchildren play basketball, football, and volleyball. In recent years, he indulged himself in a few simple pleasures including the daily crossword puzzle, coffee with his friends, playing solitaire on the computer, and taking photos with the camera that was always in his shirt pocket. Pat was generous to family, friends, and strangers alike and will be missed by all, especially the family pets Axel, Buck, and Riley. Pat is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years Esther, sons John (Ruth), Philip (Michelle), Scott (Kim); daughters Mary (Tom Ruffatto), Patty (Rodney Hobaugh); Maggie, Katie (Jeff Braun) and Sady (Darell Babcock); grandchildren Alex, Charlie, and Cole McDonald; and Tanner, Mackenzie and Bridger Babcock. He is survived by his sister Peggy Collins and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Pat was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law P. G. Johnson and brother-in-law Tom Collins, son-in-law Remy Pochelon; and numerous aunts and uncles. The family suggest memorials to the Granite County Museum, PO Box 502, Philipsburg, MT 59858 or a charity of your choice. A celebration of Pat's life will be held November 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Philips Catholic Church in Philipsburg, MT. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service. A reception will follow at the Granite County Museum.

Visitation

NOV 21. 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (MST)

St. Philips Catholic Church Philipsburg, MT 59858

Funeral Service

NOV 21. 2:00 PM (MST)

St. Philips Catholic Church Philipsburg, MT 59858