Stephan Rich McDonald

On Thursday, April 3, 2025, a heavenly throng welcomed Stephan Rich McDonald, our beloved dad, grandpa, and friend. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by family, his mortal body spent from a life well lived, well loved, and already missed. We are certain that family for several past generations gathered to thank him for the work he had done for them here on earth during his 85 years. Stephan was born on April 23, 1939 in Logan, Utah, the son of Walter Rich and Martha Cook McDonald. He grew up in a home full of love, later creating his own using that pattern. His little sister (and only sibling), Joan, was born just a short year later. According to him, they were very close in both age and heart. All three preceded him in death and were undoubtedly among the many.

A faithful and devoted member of the LDS church, he served a mission to the Great Lakes before pursuing an education at ISU Technical college studying electronics. While there, his sister set him up on a blind date with her friend, Carol Hubbard. They were married on June 28, 1963, and he continued to dotingly court her for the next 61 years. After graduation, his first job was for E. G. & G (Germeshausen and Grier, Inc.) in Las Vegas, NV, building one-of-a-kind instruments to use out on the Nevada Testing Site, N.R.D.S-Nuclear Rocket Development Station.

Stephan and Carol’s family grew by four feet when they welcomed their son, Brent Rich, and their daughter, Leslie. They also mourned the loss of an infant son together, Stephan Rich McDonald Jr. The role of father is where he truly shone, setting an incredible example for those around him of how to truly love a child.

Stephan continued to gain friends wherever he went, never meeting a stranger who stayed that way. He went on to work for Utah Power and Light before happily retiring after 35 years. Upon retirement, he devoted his life to his religion and his family, serving as ward clerk and ward genealogist for many years, and World’s Best Grandpa for many more. He loved to share what he had learned while researching his ancestors and building relationships beyond the grave with anyone who would lend an ear. Just more proof that love doesn’t end with death.

Stephan and Carol were devastated just a few short years ago when they lost their only living son, Brent, but we know there was a happy reunion above. Stephan leaves behind his dear wife, Carol, as well as his adored daughter, Leslie (Troy Graves), who continues to be the support they both needed in his later years. Also mourning his loss are Leslie’s children, Brad Bennion (Mindy ), Aleesha (Kaleb Howell), Troy (Lillie), Sarah (Andrew Daley), Izabella (Dylan Watterson), Sam (Tate Johnson), Dyanna Graves, Sopheea Graves, Brent’s daughter, Lacie (Chase Hansen) and 16 great-grandchildren.

To celebrate the life of our beloved patriarch, a viewing will be held on Saturday, April 12th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1450 E 1500 N, Logan, UT from 9:30-10:30 AM. His funeral will follow at 11 AM with interment at the Grace, ID cemetery at 3 PM.

Our family would like to thank the team at IHC who provided tender loving care, the attentive members of his ward, and all family and friends who have reached out to support us at this difficult time. Grandpa always liked to say, “You’re not lucky, you’re blessed”. It isn’t a small thing for us to know that we were indeed blessed-- by him, every day of our lives.