Deceased September 4, 2020
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In Memory
Tragically, in early September, Bruce Macdonald died in an automobile accident as a result of an apparent heart attack, not far from his home in Quechee, Vt. He is survived by his wife, Janis, and two stepsons and their families. Bruce had a long career in advertising and was with BBDO Worldwide as executive vice president, working mostly from London and/or Moscow. One of his accounts, ironically, was McDonald’s, of the golden arches variety.
Interestingly, Janis and Bruce spent each of their first 52 wedding anniversaries, April 15, in a different city or location, until COVID-19 broke the string in 2020.
In retirement, Bruce spent a good portion of his time on Dartmouth’s adult education program and sat on five committees.
Bruce came to Amherst as a sophomore, pledged Deke and was a history major.
With his quick wit and delightful sense of irony, Bruce was a wonderful friend, and he will be sorely missed.
Peter Levison ’56
In retirement, Bruce Macdonald was an early leader of a continuing education organization based at Dartmouth College (then called “ILEAD,” now called “OSHER at Dartmouth”).
Bruce instituted an engaging summer lecture series that brought experts and well-known speakers and attracted, on average, 500 paying attendees each year. This series became one of the signature events of the year at “The HOP,” Dartmouth’s performance venue. Bruce’s energy and extensive contacts turned an experiment into a much-beloved summer highlight that helped put “ILEAD” on the map in the Upper Valley.
Richard Neugass ’68