Obituary: Donald Thomas McDermott, Jr., 70, Murdock

Donald Thomas McDermott, Jr.

Donald Thomas McDermott, Jr., 70, of Murdock, Washington, crossed the silver glass on May 15, 2023. He withstood cancer for two years and defeated it by crossing at home, listening to poetry read by his wife and son.

Born on May 7th, 1953, in Winchester, Massachusetts, he was the son of Mary and Donald T. McDermott, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Delano, who said “I do” on the shores of Little Pleasant Bay in 1989. His aunt, Barbara, his stepmother JoAnne, his siblings, David and Anne Marie, their children, and his son Connor also celebrate his memory.

Don, or “McD” as he was affectionately known, loved the Columbia River Gorge. In summer, you could find him sailing or kitesurfing until sunset, coming in off the river with a gleaming grin just as the light dipped below the hills. In winter, he would be up in those same hills, skiing down the slopes and grabbing a quick peanut butter sandwich—on his classic homemade bread—before hitting the slopes again.

In the shadow of the Columbia’s basalt cliffs, he and Sarah put down roots, and together carved Scorched Earth Vineyards out of the desert. They were active members of the Columbia Gorge Winegrower’s Association, which grew this region into a full-blown American Viticultural Area.

Although multi-talented, Don’s final career was as a real estate agent. He specialized in large parcels and loved hiking property lines with the many bird dogs he raised and trained. As part of this work, he brokered deals that helped many local businesses bloom.

Don was also a public servant. As president of the Dallesport-Murdock Community Council, he stood up for the people whenever they needed a voice and worked late into the night researching and debating the best pathways for his community.

Don McDermott was a scholar, a hooligan, and a daring dreamer.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Don’s memory to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

The family will be hosting a traditional Irish Wake on March 17, 2024, time and place to be determined. Please come and celebrate McD with us.

Kindly RSVP to mcdswake@gmail.com mcdswake@gmail.com