Peter W. McDonald

Peter Wendell McDonald, born Sept. 24, 1942 – March 8, 2018 son of Dr. and Mrs. Robert L. McDonald of Thomasville, NC is predeceased by his parents and brother, Robert L. McDonald, Jr. (Brookshire Wynne).

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jane Kincheloe McDonald, daughters Meredith Hall (David) Melissa Rafford (Chris) and Cameron McDonald (Steven Schmidt), grandchildren Parker Hall, Kendall Hall, Elizabeth Hall, Emily Rafford and Ava Rafford. Siblings, Sally McDonald Covington, and Rocky McDonald (Sheryl).

Peter exhibited a brilliance few could experience and even fewer could understand. He academically excelled throughout his education and earned a Ph.D in Aerospace Engineering at N.C. State. When asked by a non technical person as to his career, he would say, “I’m a rocket scientist.” It summed up his view of the complexity of aircraft gas turbine design analysis. He worked for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft before becoming a visiting professor at the Von Karman Institute in Brussels, Belgium, writing their teaching manual for Fluid Dynamics. He concluded his career at General Electric Aircraft Engines. While responsible for Military Engine Operability he developed new dynamic modeling techniques for turbo machinery systems. A friend said, if you flew on a military of commercial plane recently, Pete had made a design improvement. He helped design the computer program for military and commercial simulators, as shown in “Sully”.

Peter was humble, selfless, and always seeking a worthy mission. He required little but gave generously. He believed the strong should help the weak and sought to encourage others. He was a man of unwavering faith. He never questioned the existence of God or the message of Biblical Grace. A friend said, “Pete was always the person I tried to emulate. Now I am even more impressed with the courage and dignity that he’s exhibited meeting his medical challenges.” Pete’s last few years have been brightened by many Sigma Chi brothers. A lifetime friend has written over 400 pages of treasured memories entitled, “For Pete’s Sake”.

His wisdom, kindness, and protective nature will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Wycliff Bible Translators, P.O. Box 620368, Orlando, FL 32862 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Lake Norman, 705 Griffith Street, Suite 203, Davidson, NC 28036.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 1:00 pm at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Davidson, NC (301 Caldwell Ln, Davidson, NC 28036)