Sean A McDonald's Obituary
Our family has always been big and loud and full of fun. Sadly, our gatherings will now be less bright and less fun because of the passing of the family jester and consummate entertainer: Sean McDonald. He always brought the fun!
Sean Allred McDonald was born May 13, 1975 and died in his sleep due to cardiovascular disease on Sunday, January 19, 2020. He packed a lot into those 44 years. He grew up in Sandy and attended Jordan District schools but ditched class every chance he got. He earned a living as a tradesman doing radiant heat with Thornton Plumbing and I Know A Guy plumbing. Both businesses are run by his family or friends that he loved like family.
Sean loved outdoor activities, camping, family gatherings and a strong stout beer. 13 was his lucky number and there were epic parties thrown to celebrate Halloween, his favorite holiday. He was super funny and loved to make you laugh. We repeat: He always brought the fun!
Yet the most important thing in his life was his daughter, Lily Mae McDonald! She was a miracle baby who was born to him and Kim as he turned 38. He adored Lily beyond words. Even as they divorced, Kim and Sean always made decisions based on Lily's well-being and happiness. The time he spent with Lily was the most cherished of his short life.
He was predeceased by both of his fathers, Howard McDonald and Darrell Barney. He leaves behind a heart-broken family that includes: His mother, Marilyn, his daughter Lily (age 6), and his former wife, Kim McDonald. The McDonald siblings will miss him terribly: Susan (Eric) Soleil; Sharon (Ken) Jensen; Stephanie Ripley; Stanford (Monica) McDonald; Sondra Hopkins (deceased); Michael Hopkins and Susan Hopkins (both borrowed siblings); Spence (Michelle) McDonald; Scott (Lisa) McDonald, and all of his nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews will miss him as well.
The Barney siblings will also miss Sean: Mindy (Brad) McDonald; Julie (Dave) Childers; Lynne (Norm) Powell; Ken (Ellen) Barney; Patrick Barney and all of their kids and grandkids.
We will be honoring Sean at a service on Saturday, January 25, at 1:00 pm at Premier Funeral, 67 East 8000 South, Midvale, UT 84047. Please wear either his favorite color Green or other happy colors.
There will also be a life celebration with food and drink Saturday evening, from 5:00-8:00 at The Gathering Place at Gardner Village, 1100 West 7800 South, #24, West Jordan. Halloween costumes are strongly encouraged but not mandatory at the Life Celebration. Yes, really, Halloween costumes. Sean would want one more epic party. Please bring your fun side.
In lieu of flowers, a fund has been set up American First Credit Union in the name of Lily Mae McDonald to help toward her education. Please use her full name. And her mother's name is Kim if asked. Thank you!
What’s your fondest memory of Sean?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sean?
Share a story where Sean's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sean you’ll never forget.
How did Sean make you smile?