Jason MacDonald Memory Book

DIE CUT WINDOW

2

photo MIKE KEMP

A book celebrating the life of Jason MacDonald 1972-2010 Presented to Catherine MacDonald Feb 27, 2010

1

photo MIKE KEMP

A prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Classmates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

2

I’ll lend you for a little time a Child of Mine.

He said, for you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he’s dead.

It may be six or seven years or twenty-two or three but will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?

He’ll bring his charms to gladden you and should his stay be brief, you’ll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay since all from earth return, but there are lessons taught down here, I want this child to learn.

I’ve looked this wide world over in search of teachers true and from throngs that crowd Life’s lane I have decided You. Now will you give him all your love nor think the labor vain and hate Me when I come to call to take him back again?

I fancy that I heard them say Dear Lord, Thy Will be done.

For all the joy this child will bring the risk of grief we’ll run, we’ll shelter him with tenderness we’ll love him while we may and for the Happiness we’ve known forever grateful stay.

And should the angels call for him much sooner than we planned we’ll brave the bitter grief that came and try to understand.

Laura Titsworth Anderson MHS CLASS of 1990 3

To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by

a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

4

5

photo MIKE KEMP

How grief stricken and shocked I am to receive the dreadful news about Jason! I am heartily sorry that Jason passed away. Most certainly, though, his spirit lives on and is safely in our Lord’s Heaven, a much, much better place. So, you see, we haven’t lost Jason because we know where he is, and we can step out on faith and God’s promises that we will see Jason again when it is our turn to go.

It was fortunate for me that you and Jason came into my life.

Some people think that I was Jason’s teacher, but actually, he was my teacher. I may have taught him some him some literary devices and prompted his interest in reading meaning into a writer’s symbolism, but Jason opened the door to the future for me. As the Age of Computers made its debut, I was one overwhelmed adult. I owe a great debt of gratitude to Jason for helping me learn that “computers are our friends.” He was very instrumental in getting me started with the basics and introducing me to the cyber world.

Once when Jason was back visiting from college, he dropped by my classroom and upgraded my computer. That’s just characteristic of Jason: kind, helpful, brilliant, loyal, and full of integrity.

Additionally, I will never forget how his sparkling eyes and smile could light up the room.

6

I enjoyed Jason’s quick wit too. One time we were kidding around at a Bearcat Beat meeting about ways not to get caught in the hall, and Jason, taking into account my husband’s poor eyesight, said, “Well if you’re in the hall during class time and Mr. Langston is on patrol, just lean up against the wall. Chances are he’ll think you’re a poster.”

After Glen died, I just felt such a deep void and so anchorless. But thanks to Jason, I had the courage to look for another prince via the computer and met Allen Rhodes. When Allen and I got married, you made the groom’s cake for our reception. Allen was/is a Model A Ford enthusiast, and you designed a beautiful and scrumptious Model A Ford chocolate cake just for us.

Catherine, here is my prayer for you: “Lord, give Catherine comfort, strength, peace and hope in the face of this deep sorrow. Give her the knowledge that you are beside her today and every tomorrow. Amen” With deepest sympathy...

Love, Marsha Langston Rhodes 4014 Cholla Rd. Las Cruces, NM 88011 rhodesrunner@comcast.net 575 521 4097 (home) 575 993 9316 (cell)

Allen and Marsha, 2008

7

Randy Lindsey Teacher, MHS

8

I think of numerous positive traits.

Devoted and reliable— Jason showed total devotion to the 1991 Bearcat yearbook of which he was the editor.

His writing for the opening, closing, and all division pages was superb. His innovative computer designs were awesome. His responsibility towards his duties was apparent at all times to the staff and to me.

Accepting and embracing of change and new ideas — the constant challenge of new computers never worried Jason. He was always ready for the next new software. Thank goodness--as this was a gift to the yearbook room.

Hard-working — yearbook editors know the long hours of writing, proofreading, computer designs and “encouraging” the other staff members to complete their responsibilities. I never heard Jason complain once about the work involved, instead he always had a positive attitude and enjoyed himself.

Humble — I have worked closely with many students over the years, but few were as intelligent Jason. He quietly and positively went about his high school studies and obligations without pointing out to others how truly gifted that he was.

Trustworthy — I knew without a doubt that Jason would take care of all obligations and could be reliable in any situation.

Aspiring and ambitious — I knew that Jason would follow his dreams, reach them, and surpass them. Through the years, I would talk with Catherine. She shared with me what Jason was doing and I was always proud and impressed with his accomplishments.

Caring — Jason loved and respected his mother with all of his heart. It was obvious in the way he treated her at all times. He knew that she was a wonderful mother!

Connie Davis Teacher, MHS 9

photo MIKE KEMP

Jason but I was very impressed that he was working for Disney. I think Jason graduated the year I came to Mena High School.

I did talk to him on the phone about Disney and what he was doing there. I wanted him to come to my classroom to talk to my students but we just never got together on it.

You may not remember me, Catherine, but I was a customer at your bakery, I also knew you because of Southwest Artists and Lucy Mulcahy. Lucy is a wonderful friend of mine and she has always sang your praises.

I can’t even start to think that I know how you feel but my thoughts and prayers have been with you. God will carry you through.

SHEILA JOHNSON Teacher, MHS

10

11

photo MIKE KEMP

grew up with Jason. She had known him since grade school and I first met him in high school.

We spent, what we thought at that time, was an incredible amount of time together. And now we mourn that it was not nearly enough.

His passing fills us with vast regret for allowing time and distance to come between us. So when we think of Jason all we can really dwell on are those years that were now far too brief.

Jason and I shared a creative bond. Countless nights we spent together collaborating on sci-fi stories and talking about the craft of writing, laughing at brilliant Monty Python sketches, listening to They Might Be Giants. When he would start in on the minutiae of computer science he would always lose me somewhere during the discussion, but I was always captivated with the energy and excitement with which he spoke and the effort he would go to explain something that was beyond my measure of understanding.

Tracy and I both remember fondly the many weekends or late evenings we would spend at his house watching movies or giddily discussing the many subjects which teenagers think are so important in the fleeting realm of youth. And whenever we

12

grew tired of these activities, we belted ourselves into his rumbling Volvo (or as we called it, The Swedish Jewel!) and sped away down abandoned gravel roads spitting debris and dust into the woods. And when I say sped, I mean nothing held us onto those roads but Jason’s sheer Will. Nothing was ever broken, no one was ever hurt. We always returned to his house safe with no harm done save for our sides splitting and our faces scarlet red from laughter.

But his joy was often too much to contain. When Jason would laugh he would turn so red, and his face would become so tear streaked. His laughter would pour out in avalanches of relentless giggles. It was a sight to see. It was the face of someone who was grabbing that joyful moment and holding on to it for all it was worth. Holding onto it for dear Life. And once the moment would eventually pass, and we would gradually settle down into stillness, he would look at us without saying a word and we knew that he wanted us to understand the joy a person could feel and how important, how vital it was, to cherish those moments and never forget.

Jason’s passing is forcing us to remember these moments we shared together and we have no doubt that others out there who knew him must have similar experiences to cherish. I personally feel that the Jason we knew and loved wanted his friends and family to always experience joy and to grab it whenever it came near, and to not let go.

Ever.

Shea Bliss MHS Class of 1992

13

had a smile & a ‘hello’ where ever you saw him. I remember in Yearbook, there were a lot of personali1991 MHS PROM L-R: Jason, Angela White, Nancy Ferguson, Danny Smith, Dena Westbrook

ties, comedians, loud-mouths. It was hard to stand out in that group, but no matter what was going on, there was Jason with a

huge smile or laughing. He’s one of the few going to the prom with

him. He was a complete gentleman. Opened car doors, the whole tamale. He had a sense of humor that was not equaled. We laughed

people I remember from Yearbook Staff. My deepest sympathies.

Brian Rhea MHS Class of 1990

so much together in yearbook that it made my belly hurt. He was also a sensitve listener, and very nonjudgemental. I kept a letter he wrote me for years. He poured his heart out about a situation at Cornell. It was a blessing to know him. He truly was one of a kind.

Dena (Westbrook) Armstrong MHS Class of 1991

had a bad thing to say about Jason and I remember that he was always kind to everyone he came in contact with.

Melinda (Wilson) Barrett MHS Class of 1991 14

to hear about Jason’s passing. He was the nicest, sweetest, most helpful person I have ever met, even to this day. In high school he would offer his time and effort to kindly and patiently teach me algebra and geometry, in a way I could understand and would have never passed those classes without his help. He never got frustrated with me and always had a unique ability to teach new concepts in a way that was very understandable and helpful-always of course with that sweet smile on his face.

JJ (Smith) Samuels MHS Class of 1990

so sweet. I remember serving on the yearbook staff with him. He was editor. He was always available to help out in yearbook staff to make our pages look better.

We won an award for our Senior Year Book submission on my section. It was because Jason was so good at graphic design and made the pages look so good. He was so fun to work with.....always making us laugh.

Tara (Ferguson) Milham MHS Class of 1991

15

a great guy. He was a true friend that never judged and always lifted people up. I cant think of a time where I ever heard him say something negative about someone else. I loved his wicked sense of humor - so sharp, so funny.

I remember when he got his ACT results...of course he ACED them.

I always knew he was the smartest person in our school but now he had the paper work to prove it. Jason never bragged about his results & I knew this guy would do great things.

When we connected on facebook I was so happy to see him living life. He was the same old Jason - kind, funny, smart. It was great to catch up with him and I kept waiting for a reason to take a trip to New York and tour the City.

Jason was one of a kind and I am glad I could call him a friend. He will be missed but not forgotten!

Greg Cathey MHS Class of 1991

16

of Jason I have from 1993 where he looks good and happy.

During college, he and I corresponded a lot by email and regular mail...he was at Cornell, me at the University of Arkansas.

One time, my friend Jerri Majors (the blonde girl) and I travelled the east coast and met up with Jason. That’s what’s going on in the first two pictures.

In the 3rd picture, Jason was visiting me in the Theta Tau Fraternity House at the University of Arkansas.

Jason was always seeking beauty wonder everywhere he went. I’m sorry he’s gone.

Phil Kincaide MHS Class of 1989

17

10th grade, Jason was in 9th. We were in PE, playing dodge ball like they made us do on rainy days. Jason wasn’t into it at all, he got hit in the head hard by on of the bigger guys...SMACK! He just walked off the court and sat down. Coach Kizer yelled “MacDonald, get back out there!” Jason stood up looked him in the face, “It’s a stupid game, someone is going to end up with a brain injury and I’m not playing that.” Coach Kizer said, “Yes you will!” To which Jason responded, “No, I dont think so....”

He sat down, and never played it again, but he managed to pass PE somehow.

Matt Ross MHS Class of 1990

Jason in

and I always

so many classes. I remember the time his

had a locker next to each other since our

mother came in 5th grade and taught us

names were close in alphabetical order. He

writing.

was alway so polite and always fun to joke

Jason always told me he would draw for Disney one day. I will miss him and wish we

with too!!! He was pretty much the smartest guy I knew.

could have keep in touch more. God bless

Lori Martin Matejek

you, Jason.

MHS Class of 1991

Christi (Lay) Albright MHS Class of 1991

18

1991 MHS PROM L-R: Jason, Angela White, Nancy Ferguson, Danny Smith, Dena Westbrook, Chris Reid, Christy Hale, Natalie McDaniel, Richard Whitwer, Emily Hicks, Josh Miller.

Jason since he moved to Mena; I believe in 4th grade. He was always very kind with a sweet smile. We became good friends when we both were on yearbook staff in 11th and 12th grade. He was always positive and encouraging. He was fun to be around and someone I could trust.

I was so happy to reconnect with him on Facebook this past year. I am thankful that he was part of my life when we were younger. I will remember him with a smile.

Natalie McDaniel Sherman MHS Class of 1991

19

a great friend and always a huge source of amusement for me throughout our years in school together. We always traded cleverly worded intellectual quips, the challenge to outdo each other. He usually came out ahead in the war of words, of course. It was all in good fun and we would have each other grinning so hard our cheeks hurt.

I remember Catherine coming to our class in the 5th grade to teach us all calligraphy for Art class. It was the first time that I looked at the written word as a potential art form, becoming acutely aware of the shapes of each letter. This calligraphy session given by Jason’s mom not only improved my handwriting, it also laid the foundation for my interest and study of typography–which has proven to be an invaluable asset in my career as a graphic designer. I credit Catherine for the first steps taken towards my career as an artist, designer and typographer. Not to mention that throughout junior high and high school, I used those mad calligraphy skills to hand letter posters and programs for plays and other events– way back in the day before I ever touched a Mac or a design program.

I remember one day in junior high Jason came to history class with some rub-off type. It’s readily available now at all craft stores for scrapbooking, but at that time, I had never seen it, and I decided that I HAD to have it. I ended up trading a calculator to him for the rub-off type and then spent the remainder of Mr. Foster’s class concentrating on making designs with the aforementioned rub-off type.

I remember good times in Gifted & Talented with Jason. He recently reminded me of a fun trip we made to Little Rock where we all ate at Shogun’s Hibachi Grill. That was a big deal to us ‘small town’ kids at the time. Jason and I gave the guy cooking our food a hard time and we laughed the whole time we were there.

In high school, I did not have as many classes with Jason, but we still found time to visit with each other. When he was editor of “The Bear Facts” our senior year, I did the illustration that accompanied his editor’s note. He also had me go through the book and develop illustra-

20

tions to go along with stories that didn’t already have a drawing to go with them. (Fortunately, my illustration skills vastly improved after my college studies!)

The summer after graduation, a group of us worked together on the summer youth production for Ouachita Little Theater. Jason was the technical director of the production, “The Impossible Years.” The story was about a teenage girl coming of age and I played the impossible teen who grew up during the course of the story line. Jason was such a big part of the ‘heart’ of the production, keeping us all laughing with his clever tales. The performances of the play were in August, right before many of us went our separate ways for college. The cast party was so much fun, we were all so young with so much ahead of us.

I had lost touch with Jason over the years after college. I am so grateful that I was able to reconnect with him the past few years on Facebook. I am thankful for having known Jason– to be able to call him friend. I am also grateful to Catherine for sharing her artistic talents with all of her son’s classmates (especially me!). Jason and Catherine are both people who touch your life and leave you a better person for having known them. Both have made a lasting impression on my life.

I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a fun spirited, creative and intelligent person. I’ll never forget you, Jason.

Dianna K. Winters MHS Class of 1991

21

of Jason was my Senior year. I was not having the best year of my life and had to take Trig. Not really my best subject. He got me through it—with a lot of help. We also had Drama class together and did a scene from "The Princess Bride" with Shawn Smith. He was the Priest and I have to say he played the part well. I still to this day can't watch that movie without thinking of him.

During the process of practicing for this scene the three of us spent alot of time at my house. By doing this scene I got to know Jason better and appreciate what a truly funny and great guy he was. He had quiet way about him.

For small town Mena he was very insightful and by far the smartest person I knew.

By the end of the year we pretty good friends. Life was no easier for me and prom was approaching. I wanted to go, but everyone seemed to have a date. During Trig I asked him if he was going and if he had a date. He laughed and said

22

1990 MHS Prom

he was going, but no date.

I asked him to go with me, again he laughed and said sure. So he saved the day FRONT ROW L-R: Kim Lance, Shawn Smith, Kyle Dodson, Tanya

and went with me. Turned

Knight, Melynda Buchanan, Christina Mooney, Terri McGee, Bill Foster.

out we went as a group with

BACK ROW L-R: Matt Cunningham, Dianna K. Winters, Jesse Foster,

another Jason and JJ Smith.

Dena Westbrook, Jason MacDonald, J.J. Smith, Jason Sasser.

By the end of the night all my friends wound up at my

house and all worked out. I'm so glad he was there for me when he really didn't have to be.

Jason was a great friend and I'm sorry so many years were lost. I'm thankful that we finally reconnected in the last couple of years. Still sad that I never got to see him again and tell him how important he was for me in that really difficult time in my life. I don't think he ever know how much he helped me. I only wish I could have returned the favor. Jason was amazing and the kind of friend everyone should have in their life. He may be gone, but his touch is always with me. I miss you Jason. Thanks for everything. You are awesome.

Melynda French-Buchanan Williams MHS Class of 1990

23

photo MIKE KEMP

my sister Charity dated him for a little while in high school. I remember this one time when I went to the movies with him and my sister and he drove. I was never so scared for my life. He had that older white car with no seatbelts and he drove like a bat outta hell. He was so funny.

Charlie (Robertson) Sessler MHS Class of 1990

memories of Jason are of him making me laugh. In the yearbook he was asked what state he wanted to live in after high school & he said solid (or plasma or something; I don’t have it in front of me) anyway, it was just that he was always smiling his mysterious mischievous smile & saying things you had to think about to realize how funny or how deep they were.

Jennifer (Mannon) Hopkins MHS Class of 1991

24

good memories of Jason because we were in many of the same classes senior year and involved in some of the same activities. I remember how much fun we had racing the cars we built from junk in physics class (confession: I won but I cheated. it wasn’t like me but someone from previous year offered to help and well you know it was an offer I couldn’t refuse showing up the guys in physics class!).

In calculus, we had fun watching the James Olmos film instead of doing equations and generally doing everything else but math by aggravating Mr. Bates and each other. I remember how we enjoyed being able to get out of class to go work on yearbook but it was also a lot of work!

You were always calm and laid back, and humorous which helped me not get so bent out of shape about everything like when Steven reprogrammed my calculator at least once every class.

Nancy (Ferguson) Watson MHS Class of 1991

25

to be nobody-but-myself— in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody-else— means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight, and never stop fighting.

26

–e.e. cummings

(1894-1962)

27

photo MIKE KEMP

you were always so upbeat and full of amazing ideas every time we were able to meet up in the same city. Your mind was always active and making sense of the world. It’s hard to see photos of you because it makes the loss feel all the more real. On a positive note, I’ve started reading the book THE VELVET RAGE that you gave me last year and it’s been a great read so far. Normally, I’m frustrated by how long it takes me to get through a book, but this time-it’s actually comforting because I feel closer to you while I’m reading it.

Jeff Underwood San Diego, CA

of you I cherish most are those of the meals and conversations we shared.

You were always such a good listener, and we spent hours talking about our relationships, our families, our values, what we wanted in life, etc. I always walked away from our time together feeling heard, feeling comforted, feeling enriched, feeling grateful for your friendship. I miss you, my dear friend.

May your loved ones take some measure of solace in knowing just how many lives you touched.

Anna Marie Sheldon

28

with Jason for years while he lived in Los Angeles. Jason was a sweet, funny, loyal and generous man... We had many great times together.

Those great times, and the profound, positive impact he had on my life will always be a part of me.

David Garry (Johnson)

the Atlantis Cruise with Jason last year in March. We became friends and had some email correspondences. Jason was such a beautiful creative man. It’s like he had the spirit of a child.

Michael Franco 29

when Jason and I were living in Los Angeles we had met by chance.

Once we started talking we realized that we had so much in common. We could talk for hours about cars, life and small town living. As we both were raised in small towns and our families were far from us, we often found comfort in sharing stories and talking about our families. Jason was a wonderful friend that I could always spend time with and seek advice from when needed.

30

Jason and I both shared a passion for cars. We would spend hours on great debates on which was better, faster, and so on. My most favorite memories of him were our times together on local tracks where we raced cars. Nothing put a bigger smile on Jason’s face then strapping on a helmet and getting behind the wheel ready to hit the starting line. He was very talented on the track and always just a little faster then me. I think the biggest shock of our friendship was when he moved to New York City and he would no longer have a car. I remember clearly he was trying to find a way he could have one.

We both left Los Angeles, but at different times. At first Jason moved to San Diego and we were still able to visit on occasion. After that I moved to Austin and he moved to New York. I was delighted he made the three hour drive just to visit me in my new home when he had a business trip in Houston. Jason was going to be a friend I would have for the rest of my life. While we’ll all miss him, I’m going to miss his humor, intelligence, caring and the common interests we shared. He was someone I could count on.

I’ll always remember Jason as the wonderful man he was. A loving son and a good friend, I’m proud to call him someone that was a part of my life for so many years.

Casey Jordan

31

much time, certainly not enough to learn about the things that count. But we loved each other and somehow, during our short time, he got me to see all that mattered out there in a world I'd forgotten how to see. Our roles now are to move forward with the hope that he was unable to attain.

Three things for which to hope: a haven of peace, a robe of righteousness and the crown of life.

James Alexander Beattie

32

33

34