Redlands, CA - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Garland McDonald, who departed this earthly life on July 1, 2026, at the age of 83, and entered his heavenly home.

Bob was born on October 12, 1942, in Burlington, Iowa, to Peggy McDonald and Robert F. McDonald. He spent his early years in Maquon, Illinois, surrounded by the love of his large extended family. In 1951, the McDonald family moved to California and eventually settled in Redlands. There, Bob formed lifelong friendships as he progressed through the Redlands school system and became someone who seemed to know just about everyone in town.

After proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force, Bob returned to California to attend Cal Poly Pomona, where he earned his bachelor's degree. He later completed a master's degree in public administration.

Bob began his professional career in private industry before finding his true calling with the County of San Bernardino. It was there that his keen intellect, exceptional work ethic, and fun-loving spirit truly shined. Throughout his career, he served in the Departments of Welfare Auditing, Social Services, and the County Administrative Office as the Assistant County Administrative Officer. In addition to his county service, Bob shared his knowledge by teaching accounting at Valley College for 20 years. He also dedicated his time and expertise to the Boards of Directors for the San Bernardino County Credit Union (now Arrowhead Credit Union) and the San Bernardino County Employees' Retirement Association (SBCERA).

Bob embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He loved traveling the world, reading countless books, dancing with his beloved wife, Judy, and riding motorcycles. Family, friends and neighbors will always remember the familiar sight of Bob cruising through Redlands on his bright red Vespa or his Harley Davidson, often on his way to visit friends, family or simply enjoy the day.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Peggy McDonald; his father, Robert F. McDonald; and his grandparents, Lena Merle and Homer Foster, and his aunts and uncles.

He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Judy McDonald; his children, Kristi Watson and her partner, Jerry Dalrymple, and Jeffery Lawrence and his wife, April; his grandchildren, Zachary Mennell and his wife, Danielle, Matthew Mennell, MacKenzie Mennell, Emma Lawrence, and Jack Lawrence; his great-grandchildren, Alice and Morgan Mennell; stepchildren Shelly Brugger and her husband Eric, Andrew Hartman and his partner Javier; his brothers, John McDonald and his wife, Kathy, and Tom McDonald; his sister, Mary Caruthers and her husband, Mike; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Bob's kindness, intelligence, generosity, and genuine love for family and friends touched the lives of everyone who knew him. His legacy lives on in the countless memories he created, the lives he influenced, and the love he shared so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Please join us to celebrate his legacy on August 12, 2026. Viewing will take place between 9:30 and 11:30 at Emmerson Bartlett Memorial Chapel 703 Brookside Ave., Redlands; followed by a graveside service at the Riverside National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. Immediately following the graveside service will be a celebration of life at the home of his daughter, Kristi Watson, at 28271 Patches Drive, Menifee.