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“It’s not work if you love what you do,” was cited by his family as a popular adage of the man they said, “dedicated himself to helping anyone and everyone he could.” Friendships gave him great joy, his family said, with some going back to childhood.
Catholic San Francisco
Oct. 27, 2020
Les McDonald, a longtime presence in Bay Area real estate and as a part of the property management arm of the Archdiocese of San Francisco died Oct. 17, 2020. He was 80 years old.
McDonald grew up in San Francisco’s Mission district where again he lived for the last 20 years.
“It’s not work if you love what you do,” was cited by his family as a popular adage of the man they said, “dedicated himself to helping anyone and everyone he could.” Friendships gave him great joy, his family said, with some going back to childhood.
Msgr. Harry Schlitt, now retired and who at one time headed archdiocesan operations, was instrumental in bringing McDonald onboard at the archdiocese as director of property management 30 years ago.
“It didn’t take Les long to acquaint himself with every property in all three counties of the ADSF,” Msgr. Schlitt said in a remembrance circulated by email to archdiocesan staff.
"This was quite an expansive assignment because of the many churches, rectories, schools, and other properties of the Catholic community.”
Msgr. Schlitt said McDonald always had “a very cold Diet Coke” within his reach. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were another of his favorites.
“When it was time to eat, a bowl of soup, another Diet Coke and another peanut butter cup would suffice,” Msgr. Schlitt said. “He was never hungry as long as he knew those two mainstays were there for him.”
McDonald was happy to help when called upon, Msgr. Schlitt said. “I can’t tell you how many people who worked for the archdiocese were able to find a place to live, a used car, a place to go for family help and assistance with other little requests that they presented to me. It was a relief for me as vicar general that I could say, ‘Let’s give Les a call, I’ll bet he’ll be able to help.’”
In closing, Msgr. Schlitt said: “In this time of COVID- 19 when we hear how difficult it is for those who are dying because they cannot breathe, our friend Les has now taken his last and deepest breath. Let us pray for him! God has taken his spirit to heaven. Breath no longer needed. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed breathe in peace!”
Survivors include McDonald’s children Janice Ward, Leslie Drury, Michael McDonald, Jessica Lamonica and extended family.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 22, 2020 at Our Lady of Angels Church in Burlingame.
A memorial Mass was celebrated Oct, 29. 2020 for McDonald's chancery colleagues at St. Mary's Cathedral with Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone as principal celebrant.