Obituaries
Los Gatos Death Notice: Korean War Purple Heart Hero Dies
John Andrew MacDonald also taught science at Los Gatos High School for 37 years.
Los Gatos resident John Andrew MacDonald died Sunday, Nov. 3. He was 84.
MacDonald was born in El Paso, TX. He moved to Santa Clara County at 6 months old.
He graduated from Los Gatos Elementary and Los Gatos High School in 1947.
He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was awarded the Purple Heart.
After earning his degree in biological science and a teaching credential at San Jose State University, he taught at Markham Junior High until he was hired at Los Gatos High School, where he taught for 37 years until his retirement.
His commitment to education was evidenced in his role as a test teacher developing curriculum for the science education organization Biological Sciences Curriculum Study in Boulder, CO.
He spend many years as a Peace Corp training program instructor at San Jose State and developed the honors biology course at Los Gatos High School, where he taught until his retirement.
MacDonald was an avid environmentalist who enjoyed traveling, hiking and birding.
He was equally at peace on a trail in Alaska or at home in his chair with a book and cup of coffee.
His brothers William, Donald and Angus preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Betty, their two children Paul MacDonald (Stacie Goddard) of Wellesley, MA, and Brian MacDonald (Crystal Williams) of Berkeley; grandchildren Sophie and Stella; and his children from his first marriage Laureen Adams of Elk, WA, and Chris MacDonald of Denver, CO.
A remembrance service was held at the Los Gatos High School Library, 20 High School Court, on Sunday, Nov. 24.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Alzheimer's Association, 1060 La Avenida St., Mountain View, CA 94043 650-962-8111.
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