Ronald "Red" McDonald

Ronald Campbell McDonald, 75, of West Fargo, North Dakota, a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, passed away on November 4th, 2025, unexpectedly on the golf course doing what he enjoyed the most.

Born on March 10th, 1950, in Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada. Ronald was the son of the late Donald and Florence (Betland) McDonald. He received his GED after entry into the military in 1969.

At the age of 19, as a Canadian citizen, Ronald enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Seaman. He served for 4 years, including 3 tours of duty in Vietnam on the USS Conserver ARS-39.

During his distinguished service, he earned several honors and commendations, including the National Defense Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Service Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Ronald was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 7564 in West Fargo, ND. He was also a past Commander of the same post from 2002-2003. Ron was also a Lifetime Member of the Military Order of the Cootie, Vietnam Veterans of America and DAV.

Following an honorable discharge, Ronald worked as a Professional Truck Driver at Motorways and Lewis Truck Lines for 30 years and then 14 years at the WFPS before retiring. In 1975, he married Elaine (Dreyer), and together they made their home and started a family in Minot, ND before moving to West Fargo, ND in 1982. In that same year Ronald became a US Citizen in May 1982.

Outside of work and service, Ron (Red) was known for his kindness, generosity and the smile on his face. His life revolved around his love of hockey and golf. He cherished the time watching his grandsons play hockey and teaching them the sport of golf. In Ron’s younger years he was involved in hockey, curling, baseball and golf. In the winter, he loved playing hockey with the Metro Merchants, especially playing against the Flyers/Whalers from Canada. In the summer, he loved playing golf with his many friends at Village Green and The Meadows. In the winter or summer, you would be more than likely to find him at Golf Addictions.

Left to cherish Ron’s memory is his loving wife, Elaine McDonald of West Fargo, ND; children, Arissa McDonald (dear friend Jason Halvorson) of West Fargo, ND, Corey (Sarah) McDonald of Moorhead, MN; Grandchildren Ian and Nolan McDonald of Moorhead, MN. He is also survived by his brother Don (Sara) McDonald of Cold Spring, MN.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Florence McDonald, brother Tom McDonald and grandparents.

A service to remember and celebrate his life will be held Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:00am at West Funeral Home in West Fargo, ND. Visitation with the family will be held the evening prior, Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place following services Friday at the Fargo National Cemetery at 2PM. A reception will be held after the burial at Golf Addiction in Fargo, ND from 3:00pm-5:00pm. Those attending are welcomed to bring their own clubs.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

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