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By Bob Weaver
Bernard a few days ago at Spruce Knob Lake
Bernard McDonald of Mt. Zion was one fine gentlemen. He died suddenly yesterday at
the age of 96, becoming ill after going to his mailbox. Still alert, driving his car and
embracing life, he was the model of aging well. His daughter Judy said "He took each
day as a new adventure."
Born in 1904, his life spanned nearly all the 20th century, bridging the centuries. He
recalled tales from the 1800's and lived to see the new millennium. He was one of
those rare individuals who marked time, telling stories about riding horses, walking
across the Little Kanawha before bridges and teaching one-room schools. He studied
history, people and events, even during the past days reading the Calhoun history
book.
He married Mary Martilla Orr of Morgantown, who preceded him in death last year. He
attended West Virginia University and Salem College, teaching one-room schools in
Calhoun County. He was the last Superintendent of Schools to be elected by vote in
1930. He operated the original McDonald Farm starting in 1925. He was a lover of the
land, and later worked and retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the
ASCS.
It is with great admiration and respect I will remember Bernard McDonald, and will
miss his presence, knowledge and memory. A man for for all seasons, who lived life
with vision, purpose and gratitude.
He has three surviving children, Daniel, Judy and Cathleen. The body is at the Stump
Funeral Home in Grantsville. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
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