Andrew (Andy) Pearson Macdonald was born December 9, 1954, in Oceanside, New York. His parents were Wallace Dale Macdonald and Phyllis Pearson Macdonald, and he was the fifth child of nine. Andy’s family moved from New York to Mesa in 1970, where he attended and graduated in 1973 from Westwood High School. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Santiago, Chile where he became fluent in Spanish. He then attended Mesa Community College where he met his future wife, Marci Martin from Thatcher. They hit it off and were married November 27, 1981, for 41 ½ years.
Their kids are Amie, Tiffany, Alicia, Drew, Josh, Sean and Madison. He and Marci raised their kids in Mesa and later in 2006 they moved to Thatcher. He had his own construction company most his life then later worked at the Border as security, the Probation Dept as an inmate transporter for the County, and even teaching construction to the inmates at the prison. Andy had a big heart and was always the best provider. He instilled the importance of a strong work ethic and service in his kids. Andy was someone you couldn’t forget as he commanded the room with his larger than life, scruffy voice and big personality.
Andy passed away at age 68 on July 2, 2023. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Marci Macdonald, his seven children, Amie (Court) Milczarek, Tiffany Worley, Alicia (Mark) Ferrin, Drew (Chloe) Macdonald, Josh (Candace) Macdonald, Sean Macdonald and Madison Macdonald. His 15 grandkids are Taelor, Dylan, Chaise, Daxton, Clayton, Blake, Kaila, Meilia, Ruby, Makenzi, Kayci, Brylee, Wyatt, Jaycie and Carson and great-grandbaby Emersyn. He is also survived by his eight siblings Bob, Marti, Cathi, Dale, Sandy, Jean, Lynn and Joe. He was so loved and will be missed, but we know families are forever and we will see him again someday.
A Celebration of Andy’s Life will be conducted Saturday morning, July 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the Thatcher Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Bishop Cole Bryce of the Thatcher Eighth Ward.
The family will receive friends Friday evening, July 14, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Vining Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
