William Bill James MacDonald

William J. "Bill" MacDonald was called home by his Lord and Savior on December 3, 2013, while working at his ranch in rural Bismarck. Services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, December 7, at Bismarck Baptist Church, 2211 Laforest Avenue, Bismarck with Rev. Merle Hoots officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm Friday, December 6, at Eastgate Funeral Service, where a prayer service will begin at 6:00 pm. Bill was born January 6, 1944, to James W. and Phyllis Krueger MacDonald in Bismarck. With his mother passing when Bill was only 7, he literally followed in his father's footsteps every day as they farmed and ranched on the land homesteaded by his grandfather southeast of Bismarck. Farming and ranching was his life's passion. In 1961, Bill and his father moved to Plains, Montana, to try out mountain ranching. While mountain ranching was not particularly appealing to him, he did find something very worthwhile in Montana; his bride, Linda James, whom he married on October 23 of 1965 in Hot Springs, MT. In 1967 they left Montana to return to the family homestead where they made their home until the present day. Bill was a steward of the land. He loved to build, care for and improve the ranch, striving each year to make advancements. Bill and Linda were recognized for their care of the land with the ND Soil Conservation Award in 1976 and the 2011 NDSU Outstanding Agriculturalist Award. Bill and Linda carried on the seedstock cattle business started by his father, raising registered Polled Hereford cattle and selling bulls in an annual production sale beginning in 1972. In 1983 he first encountered the Salers breed of cattle at the National Western Stock Show and soon the MacDonald ranch was focused on raising Salers seedstock. He developed many meaningful relationships with those in the cattle industry. He served on the board of the American Salers Association from 1990-95 including a term as President of the Board. Bill cherished his family. His loving wife of 48 years, Linda, has been his lifelong partner and friend, sharing in the decisions and work of the ranch. Bill was proud of the accomplishments of each of his children and grandchildren. He was a recipient of the Honorary State FFA Degree reflecting his support of youth in North Dakota. Bill and Linda influenced many young people with an interest in agriculture, hosting students from around the world. Bill was always there to offer his sage advice. He is survived by his loving wife and partner, Linda James MacDonald, along with their three children, their spouses and eight grandchildren, Will Jerilyn MacDonald, Bismarck, Jerrod, Jayden and Ty, Beverly Leland Tong, Williston, Andrew, Emma, and Gracia, and James Harmony MacDonald, Lincoln, NE, Seanna and Liam. They are grateful to have shared his life and for all that he taught them and establishing his family in a heritage of faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Phyllis MacDonald; and step-mother, Pearl Davenport MacDonald. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials on Bill's behalf be made to the ND FFA Foundation, the American Salers Association Foundation or charity of your choice.

William Bill James MacDonald

January 6, 1944 - December 3, 2013