MacDonald's Loyola yearbook photo, 1969.
MacDonald’s commitment to Loyola and Concordia extended well beyond his student years. He served as a member of Concordia’s Board of Governors during the 1980s and chaired the university’s Graduation Ceremonies Committee. He also contributed to alumni activities, including serving as co-chair of Concordia's annual alumni golf tournament, and took part in campus programming, sharing his knowledge of politics and public affairs.
His connection to Loyola athletics was equally enduring. MacDonald was a member of the celebrated 1967-68 Loyola Warriors men’s hockey team, which compiled a 15–1 record and reached the national university championship final. The team was inducted into the Concordia Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.
As a student journalist in 1966, MacDonald had also advocated for the Loyola arena to be named after long-time coach and teacher Ed Meagher. Nearly five decades later, he attended the ceremony celebrating the renovated arena, by then known as the Ed Meagher Arena.
MacDonald was remembered by colleagues for his exceptional writing ability, his generosity of spirit and his unfailing courtesy, even when expressing disagreement. He remained an enthusiastic observer of political affairs throughout his life, continuing to follow developments in Quebec and Canada with characteristic interest.
MacDonald is survived by his two daughters Grace, BFA 15, and Zara, his sister, Sandra Smith, and his former wife, Lisa Van Dusen.