Palmetto, Florida - Van Rench McDonald
March 31, 1939 – November 6, 2023
Van spent his growing up years in Owosso, Michigan. He graduated from Owosso High School in 1957 where he played football and basketball, sang tenor in the high school choir as well as gospel quartet and was in the National Honor Society.
After graduation he was accepted to the University of Michigan. Continuing to enjoy music, he was chosen for the Michigan Choral Union as a tenor in the presentation of "The Messiah." He transferred to the University of Toledo (1958) as an engineering student, joined Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, sang in the Annual Fraternal Spring Songfest and Barbershop Quartet.
He met the love of his life, Judy Alspaugh, who was working toward a Bachelor's Degree in Education. As their relationship grew, he decided to use his math and physics credits from engineering toward a teaching degree also. They graduated, married and moved to Bradenton, Florida in 1963.
He taught math and physics at Palmetto High School as well as coached all sports. He transferred to Sarasota High School to finish out his teaching career. Along with teaching for 32 years, he enjoyed scuba diving, boating, fishing, water skiing, tennis, running duplicate bridge and sports car racing. He and Judy joined the Sports car Club of America in 1973 and found an extended family of enthusiasts.
Throughout his 40 years of racing he competed at Sebring, Daytona, Homestead, Charlotte, Atlanta and Talladega gaining enough experience to be invited to join professional teams at the 12 hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Daytona.
He and Judy retired from teaching in 1994 and started spending summers at their cabin on Lake Missaukee in Lake City, Michigan. They enjoyed this time out of Florida's summer heat and being closer to relatives for family get-togethers.
His last few years were spent with his wife, Judy, in their Palmetto home. They celebrated their 61st anniversary this year. Throughout the years they raised 13 dachshunds who were their constant companions. Now Judy and Louie, their rescued Jack Russel/beagle mix will hold Van's memory close in their hearts.
Van was pre-deceased by his grandparents, Guy and May Rench; mother, Virginia Rench McDonald; father, Van Eugene Rench; Step-father, Donald Francis McDonald (retired lieutenant colonel – U.S.M.C., WWII).
A celebration of Van and Judy's life together is planned for the future.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Tidewell Hospice and an animal rescue of your choice.
