Sad news: John McDonald has passed away

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great sadness that I share news of the passing of our teammate John McDonald yesterday, December 30.

John was a long-time HFC English faculty member and President of AFT Local 1650, the HFC full-time faculty union, which he joined in 1969 and led since 1978. He served as an AFT Michigan Vice President since 1979. In 2012, John was elected as a national Vice President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

Our entire community will miss President McDonald. I learned much from him, and I was able to spend a lot of time working with him since I joined the College in 2018. I am grateful for his knowledge, expertise, and leadership. President McDonald and I worked together to advance the College, and we respected each other when we disagreed. He had a rare ability to cut tense moments with a precisely placed bit of humor, which helped us both. Outside of our professional roles, John and I enjoyed a friendship. More than once, he worked to help me, which I endeavored to repay.

President McDonald’s advocacy for the College and community has been invaluable for decades. He cared deeply about this College, and he devoted his entire career to its success. He always worked hard on behalf of students and faculty. He was a student at the College from 1964-1966 before transferring to the University of Michigan. After earning his master’s degree in English, he taught classes for more than 40 years.

He was a centerpiece at community events, including College gala events, commencements, convocations, and many other activities. He and the AFT Local 1650 union advocated for the College through millage elections, ballot proposals, and community events. He also supported College initiatives and priorities through many relationships stretching from Dearborn to the state and national levels of government to the American Federation of Teachers. I was honored to have President McDonald emcee my investiture.

President McDonald was a fixture for our teammates in the American Federation of Teachers. I have communicated with the AFT-Michigan President and AFT-1650 Vice Presidents. I related the College’s commitment to support the Federation in this difficult loss.

President McDonald’s wife, Denise, is the Chair of the HFC Foundation Board and is a valued member of our community.

We do not yet have information about arrangements for President McDonald. When information becomes available, we will share any public opportunities with you.

The College will publish a website remembering President McDonald. You are invited to submit a reflection about President McDonald by using this form.

John was a good man. I am better for having known and worked with him. May God bless his soul.

Russ Kavalhuna
President