Verne Mcdonald

Verne McDonald, age 71, of O’Brien, died January 23, 2017 at his home.

Verne was born September 10, 1945 in Spokane, Washington to Sylvester & Melva McDonald. As a young child, he moved with his family to Cave Junction and graduated from Illinois Valley High School. In 1966 he moved to Ashland where he attended what is now Southern Oregon University studying literature and science. In 1966 in Roseburg, he married Sharon Lee Ellis. He moved first to Medford then Phoenix, Oregon where he worked as a shipping and receiving supervisor for Modoc Orchards and Reter Fruit Company, Harry & David and Associated Fruit Company retiring in 2010. He moved from Phoenix to O’Brien six years ago.

Verne enjoyed playing guitar, writing songs, and creative writing.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon McDonald; two daughters, Wendy McDonald and Holli McDonald all of Phoenix, Oregon; a granddaughter, Brittany Blum and a great-grandson, Zenequious Blum both of Grass valley, California; and a sister, Glenda Bartlett of Salem, Oregon.

Family services will be held. Illinois Valley Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.