Joe Hardwick McDonald

July 25, 1949 - June 18, 2018

Departed this life Monday June 18, 2018. Survived by His loving wife, Brenda Thompson McDonald; son, Ian McDonald; sisters, Linda Remke, Kay ( Charles “Sonny” ) McCrory; brother, Harvey “ Mac” ( Tracy) McDonald; Sister in law: Ramona Horton and A host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Joe is preceded in death by his parents: Harvey Willis and Dulcinia “Jeffie” McDonald; Ian’s mother: Adrianne - Pou McDonald; brother: Walley Horton,; brother in law: Charles “ Sonny” Remke. Joe McDonald passed Monday June 18, 2018. A talented craftsman and artist whether it be carpentry, blacksmithing, copper hammering or timber framing. He approached every job, every commission, every endeavor in a serious manner and was unable to do anything half way. His magnificent garden looked as if each row was triangulated with a GPS. He stacked and restacked  large timbers according to barometric pressure and moon phase. If a picture was not straight he’d break out a transit and three levels to correct it. (I barely joke.) He was quick witted yet economical with his words. He loved to fish. He loved music. He and his wife, Brenda, hosted many a shindig, called “A Pig.” Joe would belt out an Irish tune or two, as only a blacksmith named McDonald could. It was held in Joe's emaculately kept timber-framed work shop—where his hammers, his chisels, his tape measures, his hand saws, his planes, his files, his squares, his levels, his chalk boxes, his power tools, his screws and nails were in their proper place. Joe blessed us all with his presence. While we are thankful he is totally healed, we are bereft at his passing.  They don't come any better than Joe McDonald.