Mike McDonald

Michael P. McDonald (July 23, 1952-September 5, 2023). Born in Montreal, Canada to Edna (nee Pike) and S/L John P. McDonald, CD (retired), RCAF. When Mike was just a baby, the family moved to the United Kingdom where he attended grammar and secondary school prior to entering University where he earned his bachelor's degree. Mike started his engineering career in 1975 with ITT Business Systems Group Europe then a few years later joined Unilever Computer Services Ltd. He also worked for Designate, as their development and international sales manager. In 1983, he founded Bristol Software Factory Ltd and served as the CEO for the following 12 years. Already a licensed hot air balloon pilot and instructor, he purchased his own balloon “Enterprise Software” to fly as part of his marketing strategy. While in the U.K. he met his first wife Catherine (nee Young) and welcomed two children – daughter, Carina McDonald and son, Leigh McDonald. The family of four later moved to Calgary, Canada to be close to family. Mike and Catherine eventually divorced. In the mid 1990’s employment opportunities brought him to the U.S.A. where he joined Lannet Data Communications Ltd. Over the next 20+ years he would hold increasingly senior positions with Cray Communications, Lantech and Avaya. In 2017, when health issues made it difficult for him to continue working full-time, he formed consulting enterprise, Telecom SE LLC. He fully retired in 2019. Upon relocating to Colorado for professional opportunities he joined the Denver Chamber of Commerce and subsequently met his second wife, Bernadine “Bernie” Edmonds. They would have been together 20 years and celebrated 14 years of marriage on September 20^th.

He continued to be a passionate enthusiast of hot air ballooning even after his health would no longer permit him to fly. In addition, he enjoyed travel, skiing and golf. One of his favorite things about Colorado was that he could catch fresh snow on the slopes in the morning and play 9-holes of golf in the afternoon. He was a member of the Centennial State Shooting Club and enjoyed sporting clays. He had a love for music and found enjoyment playing his guitars, piano and drums. You could often find him in the local pub having a pint and playing darts or having his loving pets next to him sitting on the couch. He loved being a Brit and happily would tell all he met the proper English ways.

He was preceded in death by his parents and first wife. Mike is survived by his second wife, children, grandchildren Brooke, Elliot & Shae Huggins and sisters Marlene (Rick) Wing, Kathleen (Bob) Booth & Dana (Bernie) McIntosh. He is also remembered and loved by numerous nieces and nephews. 

There will be a Celebration of Life held for Mike at his favorite local pub!

Saturday, October 7, 2023, 11 AM - 1 PM

The Rock Restaurant and Bar

22934 E Smoky Hill Rd, Aurora, CO 80016

(303) 690-7934

We invite you to add a fond memory, story or experience to his tribute book at the celebration or by email at: bernie@bcrrealty.com

A memorial tile will be permanently placed in Mike’s honor on the “Forever Wall” at the

Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum in Albuquerque, NM U.S.A.

Donations may be submitted online at: https://balloonmuseum.com/donate please enter Mike McDonald in the “In Memory/Honor Of” section.

At a future date, Mike will take his final hot air balloon flight in the United Kingdom and his ashes will be scattered, per his wishes.