Dr John McDonald has had a long involvement in management of patients with cancer, beginning with training in pathology at Guy’s Hospital, London, where he gained Membership of the Royal College of Physicians. On returning to Australia, he was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Physicians. He worked as a Clinical Haematologist at the Royal Childrens’ Hospital, Melbourne, and as assistant Physician to Outpatients at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, as well as in his private practice. John returned to Albury as a specialist physician. John McDonald joined the Rotary Club Albury Hume on the 17^thSeptember 2008. He was elected to the Board in 2009/10, was president elect in 2010/11 and President in 2011/12. As a Rotarian he set a wonderful example giving of his heart, mind and capacity in everything he did.  John had a vision of life one can only describe as panoramic. He was creative, talented, as was evident by the writing of his book” The Mind and the Matter” as was his humility, a quality most endearing.  Embraced in his dedication to his book he wrote “This book is dedicated to the patients, who have taught me everything.” One of his strongest characteristics was his happiness, his laugh that came from deep within and the light of sheer joy in his eyes. These are the things those who knew him well will recall when they think of him. Throughout his medical career and his love for humanity he made a positive difference to the lives of many who came in contact with him. His extraordinary courage in facing his approaching death was remarkable. Some men  go through life never seen, never heard and never lay a brick, but John McDonald had been seen, has been heard and has made a significant contribution.

From Margaret Margaret is so thankful to all at our club for our sincere condolences. The flowers she said were magnificent – John’s and her favourite colours. She will acknowledge John’s love of Rotary at a future time