Russell G. (Rusty) McDonald (aka “Dut” ) was called home by God on September 13, 2019, at the age of 73, after a long battle with a Parkinson -like disease along with a disease called Binswanger. At the time of his death he lived in Helena where he was born and raised. Russ was a man of the highest integrity, the kindest, most giving and gentlest man. Everyone who knew Russ loved him and called him a friend. He was born to L. C. (Red) and Helen Marguerite (Lattin) McDonald on November 6, 1945. He grew up around 6th and Main and attended Central School, Helena Jr. High, and Helena high school, graduating in l964. Russ attended the University of Montana, Montana State University and graduated from Eastern Montana College in Billings. In 1969 he married Shari and they had two wonderful children, Jennifer and Brian. In 1988 they divorced and in 1990 Russ married his current wife and best friend Mary Ellen Blankenship. They were married in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the famous Chapel of Loretto. Shortly after that wedding they had their wedding blessed by Father Mavsar at St. Cyril Catholic Church in East Helena.
Russ served in the National Guard at Fort Harrison for several years. He worked for the State of Montana as the Vocational Education Accountant from 1972 to 1976. He left there to go into the bicycle business and owned The Other Bike Shop with his friend and partner Lee Skiftun. In 1976, he went to work for the Montana Department of Transportation in the Right of Way Bureau where he met his wife Mary Ellen. Russ and Mary Ellen became friends enjoying discussions about topics they’d read in the Psychology Today magazine, both having a subscription to at the time. While at the Department of Transportation, Russ moved up the ladder to become Assistant to the Personnel Division Administrator, and was later promoted to the Director of Human Resources Division where he stayed until he retired in 2006. Because he wasn’t quite ready to retire, he went to work for a short time at O’Reilly Auto Parts in Helena from December 2006 until December 2007. Being a car enthusiast, this job was one he truly loved. In recent years he became a member of Clan Donald USA, North Pacific Region. He was especially proud of his Scottish heritage. For a short time he was a member of the Helena Mineral Society.
Among his favorite hobbies were American cars, so he acquired a 1950 Ford to restore (but the Ford Thunderbird was his all-time favorite). He didn’t fully accomplish restoring the 1950 because of his illness. Russ went on to enjoy being a member of the Helena Street Rodders and acquired many new friends there. In his younger years, he considered himself the luckiest kid in town because his Dad was in the used car business. Russ got to drive some of the greatest cars of the 50’s and 60’s at that time. He considered riding bicycles and his Harley motor cycles as a favorite hobby. He took up the guitar and harmonica adding music to his list of hobbies. Russ had learned to play the trumpet while in high school, so when the New Horizon Concert Band was formed in Helena in 2011 he dusted off a trumpet and joined. He thoroughly enjoyed being part of the band. He grew up with a love of trains and had several model trains, his favorite being the Lionel.
Russ became proficient in carpentry work finishing the basement in their home and built a large shed to accommodate hay storage for their horses. Russ was a great mechanic and could fix anything he set his mind to. He was like a walking dictionary and could tell you the definition of almost any word, he was a brilliant man. His dry sense of humor left some scratching their heads but most laughing. Russ loved Monty Python, SCTV and Steve Martin.
Russ is survived by his wife Mary Ellen, brother Randy McDonald (Deb), daughter Jennifer Sokoloff (Greg), Brian McDonald (Tyra), and four beautiful granddaughters, Eliza and Emily McDonald, Lucy and Sylvie Sokoloff. He is preceded in death by his parents Red McDonald and Helen (McDonald) Walker.
A Viewing will be held at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave., followed by a Vigil service at 5:00 p.m. at the church. A Mass is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at Saint Mary Catholic Community followed by Burial at Resurrection Cemetery. A Reception will be held in the Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave., following the burial. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society. Russ loved animals especially his kitties!
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Masonic Home, Helena, for their kindness and the care provided Russ during his time there also a thank you to Compassus Hospice for providing Russ comfort care in his final days. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Russ.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 24, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 24, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Wednesday September 25, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Mass
Wednesday September 25, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Wednesday September 25, 2019
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 24, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 24, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
12:10 p.m.
Wednesday September 25, 2019
Saint Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Rite of Committal
Following the Mass
Wednesday September 25, 2019
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Wednesday September 25, 2019
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Tom Naegelr says
Randy and Russ’s Family,
Randy, saddened to hear of your Brother’s passing. I know he struggled over the last years. I always felt Rusty was Special Brother as such a friend to my Big Brother John. They have now left this earth to early in life. They are both together rodding around and Cruising The Drag 🥳 Prayers of Loving support to Rusty’s Family.
Jan Ryckman says
Mary Ellen – I am so sorry to hear of Rusty passing. He has been on my mind a lot with the 55th class reunion last weekend. I apologize for not calling. Rusty was a nice man and was always kind and friendly in our high school years. I know he has struggled these past years and you have had a heavy load to bear. Thoughts and prayers are with you and the family
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Russ was a good friend from our days at the Highway Department 🙏🙏🙏
Beth Riitano (Henne) says
Mary Ellen – so sorry to hear of Russ’ passing. I still have fond memories of both of you from Transportation.
Jeanne Naegele Kohal says
Randy and Russ’s family- As the little sister in the Naegele family, Rusty and Randy were both two of my extended big brothers whom I still remember dragging me on a sled tied to my mom’s Bonneville past “the witch’s house” on LeGrande Canyon Blvd. He touched my life many times, always knowing who I was, from birth to the last time we spoke at Wal-mart just before I moved to be closer to John’s family in 2017. Randy and family, I send you my heartfelt prayers of healing. Russ, rest easy my friend, you will be missed
Norma Rabey says
Mary Ellen – So sorry to read about Russ’ passing. He was a great coworker and wonderful person. You and the family are in my prayers.
Linda and Randy Peterson says
Randy, we are so saddened by this news. He was such a
wonderful man, cousin and friend to my Randy. I wish we could be there. We will always hold him dear in our hearts.
Rusty Wrigg says
RIP Russ, we had a great run at MDT after our MIP training. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill & Rachel Haberman says
We didn’t know Russ very well, but the little we did know of him he was a wonderfully kind and compassionate person. Mary Ellen, we are so sad for you and are praying for you.
Marilyn Lamb Roberts says
Rusty and I were good friends in highschool. I remember him as a kind and generous person. I’m sorry to hear of his passing.
Pat Davis says
I am so saddened to hear about Russ passing. He was the Personnel Manager at MDT when I worked with him. He was such a kind man and so approachable and easy to talk to. When I left MDT and moved to another state, he gave me wonderful and genuine advice for my husband and I to follow our hearts. I’ll never forget what a wonderful man he was. RIP, my friend.
Vern and Joan Schneider says
Our thoughts have been with you and Russ during his recent health struggles. He certainly had a full life with so many interesting activities. Wishing you peace in remembering the special times you had with him. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need assistance, or just companionship, as you move forward. Joan and Vern
Glen J Cuchine says
I’m so sorry to hear of Russ’ passing. He was a classmate of mine at HHS and always such a wonderful smile. Bless you all.
Paula Dillavou says
Our condolences and prayers are with your family. We knew Russ many years ago and his son Brian has always had a special place in our hearts. God’s blessings to you all during this difficult time. Paula, Wayne and Justin Dillavou
Al & Laura Calkin says
Mary Ellen. We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Russ. You are in thoughts and prayers. Wish we could be there today with you to say goodbye, but we are out of town.
Judi Dahl Foutz says
Rusty was a good friend in high school. I hadn’t seen him since and am so sorry to hear that he had such struggles with his health. Prayers for his family. Rest in peace Rusty. You are well loved and respected and you will be missed.
Judy Reul says
Sug, my prayers are with you. I mainly knew Russ through you, but it was clear to me what a wonderful man he was. I’m so glad you met and married him.
Rae Olsen says
So sorry to see this and to know of his health challenges. Russ was a food friend in our days at the Highway Department. My heart goes out to his family.