death of NWA/DL Capt. Roger “Scott” McDonald, age 71

[death flwnwst]

~ IN MEMORY ~

NWA/DL Capt. Roger “Scott” McDonald

July 9, 1955 ~ July 24, 2026

 

Scott joined Northwest Airlines 08-16-1991 and retired with Delta Air Lines based Seattle.  Scott is survived by his wife Kathy, and by his children and grandchildren.   

 

PCN memorial site  https://pcnflightwest.blogspot.com/2026/10/nwadl-capt-roger-scott-mcdonald.html  

 

https://www.legacy.com/legacy/roger-mcdonald

 

Roger Scott McDonald's Obituary

Roger Scott McDonald, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, pilot, and friend, passed away at home surrounded by the love of his family on July 24th, following his battle with acute leukemia.

Scott was born on July 9th, 1955, in Boise, Idaho, to Rodger and Joanne McDonald; their third of four children. He spent his early years in Boise before the family moved to Bellevue, Washington, where he grew up and developed the independence and work ethic that would define his life. In his youth he taught himself how to ski at Snoqualmie Pass, and enjoyed playing with his three siblings along the waters of Lake Washington. Scott played football for Bellevue High School, where he graduated in 1973.

Scott began his college studies in Colorado, where his love for skiing and the outdoors deepened. In his early twenties, drawn by a calling toward aviation and adventure, Scott made his way north to Alaska. There he trained as a pilot and flew small planes through the Alaskan bush. He completed his degree in Aviation through Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. During Scott’s time in Anchorage, he met the love of his life, Kathy Suver. The couple fell in love and got married atop Mount Alyeska in June 1982.

Pursuing his goal of becoming a commercial pilot, Scott joined Hawaiian Airlines and moved from Anchorage to Oahu, where he and Kathy spent three warm years. After their time in Hawaii, Scott’s career brought them back to Washington, where they put down roots and started a family, ultimately settling in Gig Harbor. Scott enjoyed a 30-year career as a commercial airline pilot, flying for Northwest and later Delta Air Lines. He loved flying and took pride in his work. Even after thousands of hours in the air, Scott never lost his appreciation for flight and travel.

Scott’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He and Kathy raised two sons, Conor and Cameron. He treasured being "Grandpa” to his three grandchildren: Sloane (10) and Silas (7), children of Conor and Rachel McDonald, and Cedric (8 months), son of Cameron and Cyndie McDonald. Some of Scott’s happiest moments came from family vacations, especially boat trips on Lake Chelan and ski trips throughout the Pacific Northwest. He also made countless memories at Crystal Mountain, skiing with his sons and close friends. He felt most at home on the slopes, where he found excitement and renewal. Scott also enjoyed golf, not only for the game itself but for the life lessons, friendships, and conversations it brought.

Those who knew Scott will remember him as a hardworking, humble, and thoughtful man. He believed in personal responsibility and self-reliance, often reminding others of his favorite saying, "If it's going to be, it's up to me". He lived those words every day, setting an example through actions rather than words. Around the house, Scott was always working on a DIY project, approaching each task with determination and a quiet belief that he could figure it out. He was admired for his ability to solve problems, and the effort he put into doing things the right way. He was also devoted a Seahawks fan who rarely missed a game, and his family likes to think their 2026 Super Bowl victory was a meaningful final tribute to a lifelong fan.

Scott's legacy lives on in those he loved, the values he instilled, and the countless memories shared by those fortunate enough to know him. Though Scott has left this world, his spirit remains present in every mountain sunrise, soaring above the peaks before dropping into an endless run of fresh powder.