David A. Wheeler's Blog

Mon, 22 Oct 2007

Donald Macleay

Don Macleay was my mentor and friend, and he just passed away (Oct. 15, 2007). So, this is a small blog entry in his honor.

Here’s what I said at his funeral: “In 1980, Don was the manager of a computer store. I was only 15, but he took a chance on employing me, and I’m grateful. He taught me much, in particular, showing by example that you could be in business (even as a salesman!) and be an honest person. He later moved to other companies, and I moved twice with him, because I found that good bosses were hard to find. Don was honest, reliable, a good friend, and an inspiration to me. I will miss him, and I look forward to seeing him again in heaven.” I should add that he spoke at my Eagle scout ceremony. Later on, when he moved out to the country, it was always a pleasure to visit him and his family.

Here’s a part of his biography, as printed in the funeral bulletin: “Born in Washington, D.C., on October 27, 1934, Donald Macleay was raised in Falls Church. He attained the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated at the top of the first class of St. Stephen’s School in 1952. In 1956, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI).

After serving as a Marine Corps officer, Donald Macleay spent many years in the business world before becoming a Parole Officer for the Department of Juvenile Justice in Stafford County. As well, in 1992, he was a candidate for the U.S. Congress as an Independent.”

The biography goes on to note that he “valued being a Christian, a husband, a father and grandfather, and a friend.” Much of his last years were spent helping troubled youth in his area (Fredericksburg, VA), and from all accounts he was extraordinarily successful at helping them and their families.

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