Doug McDonnell

Doug McDonnell passed away December 10th 2009 at the age of 60. Doug’s childhood fascination with horses first brought him to Mackinac Island the summer following his high school graduation. He was employed by Mackinac Island Carriage Tours as a teamster/ tour driver. A few years in the Marine Corps redirected Doug’s life, but he returned frequently to Mackinac for visits, drawn by its natural beauty, congenial social environment, friends, and recreation opportunities. Eventually, he returned to Mackinac to work, driving taxi for MICT. During the summer of 1976, while enjoying an evening at the Mustang Lounge, he was introduced to Pam Light.

Doug and Pam were married in 1978 and shortly afterward established residence on Mackinac, residing year-around for a few years at which time their first child, Travis, was born. Doug often talked fondly of those days on the Island with its slow pace, the opportunity to enjoy its natural beauty, as well as providing time to spend with friends and family. Living on the Island allowed Doug plenty of opportunity to pursue his love for bicycling and crosscountry skiing.

Doug left Mackinac to pursue a college degree, graduating from Western Michigan University with a degree in business administration. He was employed by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Kalamazoo for 17 years. Over the years, he continued to enjoy his passion for bicycling and was able to participate in the Ore-to- Shore bike race in Marquette during August of 2009. Few summers passed that Doug and Pam did not return to Mackinac to visit friends and family, reminisce, and again enjoy the beauty and recreation that Mackinac offers.

Doug was born in Grayling, Michigan, December 17th, 1948 to Bud and Joyce McDonnell.

Doug was preceded in death by his mother in April of 2000. He is survived by his wife, Pam; two children, Travis and Alison; his father, Bud, and many, many nieces, nephews, and in-laws who shared his love for Mackinac. Doug is also survived by his brother, Gary, a summer resident employed by Mackinac Island Carriage Tours.

A memorial service attended by family and friends was held at the Betzler Funeral Home in Kalamazoo on December 15th. Doug was laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI, near the recreation area where he loved to spend weekends riding his mountain bike.