Return to Station Listings
|
Paul Thomas MacDonald
Born: 11/4/1963
Died: 3/29/2020
Age: 56
Community: Flint, MI
|
Paul Thomas MacDonald, age 56 of Flint, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2020. He was born on November 4, 1963 in Detroit, Michigan to parents John and Suzanne (Gravel) Schmidt.
Paul’s parents noticed early on that he was gifted, and they wanted only for him to have a “normal” life. In many ways, he did. But having an intellect like his combined with an adventurous, playful spirit meant he was destined for the extraordinary. Those who walked the road of life with him were kissed by the unexpected and blessed beyond belief.
A long-suffering but devoted brother, Paul was tasked to “watch” his younger brothers, Steve and Joe, on many occasions. Watch them he did...he claims no one ever told him to stop them. His sisters, Carrie and Megi, a.k.a. “Mookie,” provided further mystery to a quirky, introverted, artistic, book-loving boy who would have been diagnosed as having Asperger’s today. His brother Steve put it best when he said that anyone that had met Paul knew he was (without fail) the smartest man in the room. And he was. He was also the humblest.
A true patriot, Paul served his country as a member of the United States Army and deemed it an honor to do so. He supported programs for veterans and never let the opportunity to thank servicemen and -women go by, shaking their hands, saluting them when appropriate, and surreptitiously paying for their meals in restaurants.
Paul didn’t know he believed in love at first sight until it happened to him—and he didn’t waste any time in making Meg his wife. They met at a science fiction convention, were engaged, and married in a matter of months. That was thirty years ago. He told friends, “I’ll be damned if I make her give up a great Scottish name like ‘MacDonald’ and then stick her with ‘Schmidt’… I’m taking her name!” And he did, getting on one knee to ask his future father-in-law not only for the hand of his daughter, but also for his last name. Paul then took her to the Grand Canyon, where they hiked in and out in a day and managed not to get lost. It was the first of many memorable, cherished adventures.
A brilliant mind and talented, intuitive engineer, Paul solved “impossible” problems for Clover Communications, Ameritech, SBC, and AT&T. His coworkers praise him for unparalleled commitment and the uncanny ability to unravel complex IT puzzles. Customers like the Archdiocese of Detroit (who he loved) asked for him by name. He could have made a fortune had he been able to clone himself.
A kilt-wearing, sword-wielding cat magnet, Paul knew the importance of a good cup of coffee...and sushi...and bats. He was a devoted foster and adoptive father of three children, who filled his life with dance, music, laughter, and headaches. Paul weathered chaos with a calm demeanor and a ready supply of Legos, skateboards, and Hot Wheels. He took his daughters, Cymri and Fionna, on dates, never told his son, Ian, that men should not to cry, and was a strong advocate for dancing in the rain. And being kind to snakes and spiders. And petting bees. Paul was a father figure to nieces and nephews and everyone’s favorite big brother to his fellow cast members at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, who remember him as being a good listener, a source of wisdom, and possessing an outrageous sense of humor. A faithful friend, he could be counted on to do anything—including being hoisted into the air by a crane to help friends build a house. And fix a pirate ship. And explore underground tunnels. He was a generous supporter of other people’s dreams who helped fund kickstarters, donated his time and talents, and always bought Girl Scout cookies. Paul was the man ahead of you in line that paid for your morning coffee at Tim Horton’s and the Happy Meals for that carload of kids after school. He noticed that you were crying. He noticed most everything.
Like the Christian knight that he was, Paul walked in faith, battling the ravages of polycystic kidney disease with fierce determination. During fourteen grueling years of dialysis and waiting for an organ transplant that never came, he continued to work, to build, to paint, to read, to drive, to walk…and to plan for the future. He played chess with death on countless occasions and was attended by angels. His family trusts he is surrounded by them now, in the company of his Savior, Christ Jesus.
Paul has sailed into the West, a journey we will all one day make. “In sorrow we must go, but not in despair. Behold! We are not bound for ever to the circles of the world, and beyond is more than memory.” (J. R. R. Tolkien) It is with sorrow we let him go, but with joy we know that his hardship is over and we will see him again.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” --2 Timothy 4:7
Paul is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Meg MacDonald; children: Cymri, Ian, and Fionna; siblings: Carrie Anne Owisney, Steven Albert (Kim) Rassette, Joseph Edward Rassette, and Mary Margaret "Meg" Rassette; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both parents; step-father, Guy Rassette. As were his wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
|
Copyright © 2025 Direct Obits, LLC
| Visitation |
| Date: |
|
4/4/2020 |
| Time: |
|
- |
| None. |
|
|
|
Return to Station Listings
|
|
