A detail-oriented, hard working and beloved member of the Marvin Freiburger No. 37 Race Team, Ronald “Ron” MacDonald died unexpectedly, just days before Christmas, at the age of 65.
The Walkerton, ON resident passed away on December 23, following an accident in Effingham, Ill., where he was on his way to visit family for the holidays.
MacDonald, who worked as a parts manager for Freiburger & Sons, was an active member of the race team for about a decade. His involvement stretched beyond his role of Marvin’s spotter, as he often worked under the car, beside the car and in the shop preparing for races.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of our dear friend and pit crew member Ron MacDonald,” said Angela Freiburger, on behalf of Race Team No. 37. “Ron was all about detail. He loved the challenges that racing presented to him and it was evident that he strived in his everyday life to continue to overcome those challenges.”
Even when he wasn’t working directly on the cars, he would still assist the team by meeting with Marvin to watch and analyze NASCAR races, which helped them improve their racing experiences.
MacDonald’s obituary notes that he “was a hard working, gentle man who thoroughly enjoyed working with Freiburger & Sons…he loved to interact with the clients and staff all the time, even taking up hobbies alongside of them.”
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His hobbies included geocaching, hunting, RC flying and ham radios.
MacDonald was born on January 12, 1957 in Durham, ON and had ties across the Grey-Bruce region, from generations of family members to his many friends. He is survived by his wife Charlotte MacDonald, daughters Valentina MacDonald (Micheal Helm) and Sheryl-Lynn MacDonald (Korey Orson), stepchildren Joe Helton, Bobby Helton and Adam Helton, as well as his grandkids, great grandkids, sister, niece and nephew.
A visitation and service were held earlier this month, while inurnment of ashes will be interred in Durham Cemetery in the spring. The family notes that memorial donations to the Diabetes Association would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
- From Freiburger Racing/Race Team No. 37
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