Joseph Alan MacDonald

MISSOULA ~ Joseph Alan MacDonald, who was born with a “disability” that made him one of the friendliest souls a person could ever meet, died July 31. He was 57. Born September 19, 1964 to parents William and Ethel MacDonald, Joe was a 4 lb. 5 oz. full-term baby who looked different but grew, walked and talked at the usual ages, winning friends with his smile and exceedingly gregarious personality. At age four, he was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Williams-Bueren syndrome, which immediately helped his family understand his seemingly insatiable quest to be friends with everyone. A common trait of Williams is defined by the medical profession as “an unusually cheerful demeanor and ease with strangers. ” Yep. That, in a nutshell, was Joe. For his entire life, Joe was surrounded by the friends he made who welcomed and included him, encouraged him, watched over him and cheered on every one of his successes, big or small. Our family will be forever grateful to each of you for the kindness and love you showed Joe. Joe first attended special education classes In Missoula with his beloved teacher Valarah Johnson, and then attended regular classes at Frenchtown Elementary, with special help and assistance. He attended Sentinel High School, where he proudly served as the Spartan football team manager and graduated in 1982 to a standing ovation from his classmates. For decades, Joe had supported employment through Opportunity Resources Inc. He was a woodshop worker there, and also worked at McDonald’s and Neff’s Animal Specialties. Joe was a huge Montana Griz football fan and attended nearly every home game for decades. He loved music, especially songs sung by pretty country singers with names like Shania, Tammy, Dolly and Martina. He also enjoyed listening to live music and became a fixture at Draught Works, where he sipped root beer. He also became quite the painter in his later years. Joe got around Missoula on his bicycle or the Mountain Line bus, visiting friends and his favorite haunts, like the Missoula Public Library and the Farmers’ Market. In 2018, Joe was struck by a car while in a crosswalk and critically injured, requiring him to be airlifted by Life Flight to Seattle. Joe’s numerous injuries required care for the remaining years of his life. At the time of his passing, Joe was a resident at Rosetta Assisted Living and in hospice care. He died peacefully in his sleep. Joe was preceded in death by his father, William. He is survived by his mother Ethel, his brothers Dave and John, his nephew Jacob, and various nephews, nieces, cousins and in-laws. We will remember Joe for the kindness and empathy he showed to strangers and friends alike, which they returned ten-fold. Joe never gave up wanting to make another new friend. A memorial is planned for 11:00 a. m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022 at the Draught Works, 915 Toole Ave. , Missoula. In lieu of flowers, our family suggests donations in Joe’s honor to Opportunity Resources, your local Hospice or the Missoula Public Library.