William "Dick" Donald

William Richard “Dick” Donald, 88, went home to Jesus on April 5, 2017. A rare Phoenix native, Dick was born January 31, 1929 to Robert and Dorothy Donald. He lived and worked most of his life in Phoenix and spent the last 17 years living in Sun City. He was the third of four children, and is survived by his sister Joyce Norton, four children Paul Donald of Scottsdale, Leslie Mickley of Queen Creek, Linda Conley of Peoria, and Susan Larson of Bothell, WA, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.  Dick was married to a “great, great lady” named Marvidene Faye Newton. They were married for 38 years and she remained the love of his life long after her passing on August 11, 1997.  Growing up, Dick’s passion was swimming and diving. He was an accomplished athlete and loved to tell those stories even up until his last years. His dad died when he was a young teen, and as a result he chose to leave high school and his swimming to work to help support his mom and sisters. He served in the Navy from 1954-1958, traveling to Japan and other far away shores. He worked as a truck driver and other roles for many years at Milne Truck Lines, and also worked in purchasing for Arizona Elevator until he retired in 1993.  Dick’s life seemed to be centered around three primary things: his faith in God, loving his wife, and loving and providing for his family. He was very musical, though he may not have ever considered himself a musician. He loved to sing, whistle, and play harmonica. He and his wife served as leaders and teachers in several churches around the valley. He also enjoyed golf and bowling, especially in his later years. He was always quick with a little joke, smile or story to bring a smile to someone’s face, even in the last years when he couldn’t communicate as well as he would have liked.  His memorial service will be held at Menke Funeral Home in Sun City on Wednesday, April 12, at 10 am, and will include a lunch reception, then followed by a graveside service at Greenwood Memory Lawn, 2300 W Van Buren.