William MacDonald:  

It's difficult to write this without it sounding maudlin or depressing, because it isn't. Life, however, gets in the way. I hope people remember me for the person I think I was. That is, quiet, kind, strong, stable, and considerate. I know in my own mind I tend to over-exaggerate things so perhaps others know me quite differently. My life through high school was shaped by my experiences of hard work, goal-setting, and achievement to get to that place we all think we have to get to. I can thank Mr. Richard Magde, Metal Shop teacher at Bay Trail for instilling in me a work ethic that even today permeates my soul. Yeah, he worked me hard for $1.75 per hour. My father's career as a Design Engineer at Kodak established a path I would follow in my own life. As I was studying for my finals at Purdue my sophomore year, he suddenly passed away. Although my confidant and counselor were no longer leading me, I persevered and dove into my career as an engineer. In my 30's I finally became a father of two wonderful daughters, and also an orpha...Expand for more