Donald McGillivray
November 07, 2015
Donald Leroy McGillivray
Pleasant Hill
Donald Leroy McGillivray, 91, left this life on Saturday, November 7, 2015. He was born June 12, 1924 in Bowbells, ND to Donald and Ella (Petersen) McGillivray. He was the fifth of eight children. God bless his parents.
The family moved to Des Moines, IA when he was 16 years old. Don graduated from East Des Moines High School and later attended Drake University after his military career. Donald joined the US Army Air Corps during WWII.
In February of 1944, after a year of radio and gunnery training, he and his crew were flown to a base in Italy in a B-17 Flying Fortress. After many missions with his crew, Don was sent for special navigation training in June 1944, with the British Royal Air Force. When he returned to his base in Italy, he was shocked to find that his crew had been lost during a raid over the Ploesti Oil Refinery in Romania.
Don completed his 50th mission and returned home to the U.S. in time for Thanksgiving. He was always very proud of his service during WWII.
He married Isabella Fowler, the only girlfriend he ever had, on August 23, 1945. They celebrated 64 years of marriage. Bee died just short of their 65th year.
Don and Bee loved to travel and had visited Europe, Japan, China, Central America, Canada, Mexico, and 47 of the 48 Continental United States. They also enjoyed 24 years at their winter home in Port Isabel, TX.
Don spent thirty years in the building supply and building industry, in sales and as a contractor. He was actively involved with home development in Pleasant Hill, IA where they lived for 44 years. He had served on the City Council and on the Planning and Zoning Committee there.
Don was a longtime member of Elks Lodge #98 for 68 years and was a member of the VFW Post #9662.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Bee, his parents, and his siblings, Eleanor Marrow, Ramona Walden, Lois Kennard, Peggy Gaar, Shirley Pille, and his favorite brother, Hugh McGillivray.
He is survived by his foster daughter, Diane Balsley (John), granddaughter, Kate Balsley, and grandson, John W. Balsley. He is also survived by 18 nieces and nephews, sister, Jean West, brothers-in-law, Keith Gaar, Jerry Pille, and Frank West, sister-in-law, Marilyn McGillivray, and countless friends.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., with funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Pleasant Hill.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League, Elks Lodge #98, or to the VFW Post #9662.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
VFW Post 9662
11/11/2015
On this day we honor Donald for his faithful service to our country. Comrades like Donald are true heroes and we as a nation are blessed by their sacrifices for their country. We were honored to have Donald as a life member of our VFW Post.
Frank and Judy Rains
11/11/2015
We are blessed for the many years of friendship with Don. He had the ability to make everything seem a little brighter. You always knew after a visit with Don you would go home with a smile. He will be missed by many, and not forgotten for a long while. Our life has been enriched by knowing and calling him our friend. This world was definitely a better place for having him here, as he touched many hearts.
Pat & Joyce Kennard
11/11/2015
Uncle Don will always hold a special place in our hearts. Growing up, we visited Des Moines for 2 weeks every summer and Don was definitely one of the highlights - he made an indelible impression on all us cousins. He was the biggest tease but so much fun to be around. Some of the stuff he would pull on the us as kids, I have passed on to my grand kids so his legacy will live on. Dad and Don had a special bond - WW II. I remember several occasions, in later years, sitting around the kitchen table, drinking beer, and hearing the two of them tell their stories - wish I had recorded them.. He will be miss.
Shelly Charter
11/10/2015
We will always remember Don's quick wit and his laughter. It was a blessing to know him, and we will miss him!
Shelly Charter
& Staff of Village Assisted Living