MOOERS FORKS – Loyal McDonald, age 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Mooers Forks on April 8th 2025.

Loyal was born June 1st, 1936 to parents Lawrence and Florence(Therian) McDonald. However, life didn't truly start for Loyal until he met Shirley Lucia.

He and Shirley married on October 18th, 1958 and they then welcomed their two sons, Randy and Davy into the world.

Loyal was a machine operator for WA Bushey for many years. He loved his job and it was often said by those who worked with him that they wished they had "a hundred Loyal's because he was the hardest worker." Even after officially retiring, he continued to work side jobs up until age 85.

In the little free time he gave himself, Loyal enjoyed working on classic cars. He was incredibly proud of the two vintage Mustangs that he worked on for many years completely renovating. He and Shirley were both members of North Country Classics Car group, and they went to hundreds of car shows together over the years.

Loyal was a devout catholic and he and Shirley attended mass every week together. They had a large group of friends and enjoyed going to dances together. Loyal and Shirley loved to travel together. They would take yearly trips to Florida, and went on plenty of road trips together.

There was nothing he couldn't do, or fix. His family and friends never had to bring their vehicles to an auto shop. They never had to hire professional plumbers, electrician, etc. He could, and did do everything. He never gave up on any job, and continued working until the problem was gone.

There was ultimately one thing that brought Loyal the most joy, and that was spending time with his grandchildren. He was the best Papa and there was nothing that he wouldn't do for all of his grandchildren. He loved to bring them camping in his mobile RV, and took care of a beautiful, heated in ground pool that he would swim and play games in for hours with them during the summer.

Left to mourn his loss are his sons, Randy (Staci) McDonald and Davy (Melissa) McDonald. His grandchildren, Kelsey McDonald (Tyler Lashway), Kabreigh McDonald, Tanner McDonald (Siera Irby), Jaden McDonald, Lacie Ethier, Carter Ethier, Savannah Ethier, Mally Lashway and Dutton Lashway.

Awaiting him in heaven are his parents Lawrence and Florence (Therian) McDonald, parents in law Edward and Sadie(Eurbank) Lucia, as well as several siblings and in laws, but who is most important is the love of his life Shirley. Their souls were never meant to be apart, and these past nine months without her have been incredibly hard for him. He was the strongest man and toughed it out and stayed as long as he could for his kids and grandkids, but ultimately Loyal and Shirley were never supposed to be without each other and they will now be dancing forever together in Heaven.

The family wishes to specially thank Tina Vincent, Rhonda Bobbie and Madison Leclair for helping be the greatest caregivers to both Loyal and Shirley. With their help, Loyal and Shirley's wish of being able to stay at home until the very end was able to come true.

Donations can be made in both Loyal and Shirley's honor to Hospice of the North Country. Loyal loved his hospice nurses and their support was incredibly valuable to the family.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 12th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service in the funeral home chapel.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.rabideaufuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted into the care of the Rabideau Funeral Home, 5614 Route 11, Ellenburg.