John Harry Macdonald passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025. John was born on October 6, 1954, in Englewood, NJ to Herbert and Therese Macdonald. He grew up in Norwood, NJ where he graduated from Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan in 1972. John relocated to Maine in the mid 1970's where he held many different positions over the years. Many people knew him from being their bus driver, skilled mechanic, CPR instructor, Whitewater Guide, or Sunday night DJ. John drove a bus for the Messalonskee School District for many years, expanding into field trips and sporting events. He was known for his last day of school water balloon fights where he would pull the bus over and let the kids have fun soaking one another with water balloons and squirt guns. He spent a few years creating works of art in their grounds keeping department to dazzle spectators and players alike. John then was recruited to work in the bus garage where he prided himself on sending out only the safest buses for the children of the community. John was the Sunday night DJ for WTOS from 1989 to early 2000's, where he hosted The Dead Set, Gone Phishin' and Zappa's World. His distinctive voice and style are fondly remembered to this day. A legend in the whitewater community, John became a Whitewater Guide in 1984 in Maine. He then branched out and became a Whitewater Guide in New York where he spent every spring rafting the Moose and Hudson rivers as well as many others in New York state. He proudly shared his passion for whitewater with his family and friends. Through his introduction and encouragement, both his daughters, Erin and Heather, his granddaughter Emily and his nephew Chris joined him in becoming Whitewater Guides with more grandkids intending to as they become of age. In 2024, John was able to fulfill a longtime dream of rafting the Grand Canyon and embark on an unforgettable adventure across the country with his nephew Chris. John will be greatly missed for his big hugs, roaring laughter, salty humor and kind soul. John is predeceased by his parents, Herbert and Therese, sister-in-law Wendy Macdonald and nephew Matthew Sawyer. John is survived by his daughter Erin Perry and partner Ryan Knight, daughter Heather Macdonald and partner Jacob Meunier, grandchildren Emily, Dillon and Elizabeth Perry, Colin Herling and wife Abbie, great granddaughter Lorelai, sister Carolyn Sawyer, brother Kevin Macdonald and partner Mimi Harold, and many nieces and nephews including his nephew Christopher Sawyer whom he shared a special bond. He also leaves behind two lifelong friends, Wayne Berman and Michael Duffy, the mother of his children Deborah Keefe, the father of his grandkids Michael Perry, as well as many other friends and family, including his river family. A celebration of Life will be held on October 19, 2025, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm @ The Belgrade Center for All Seasons, 1 Center Drive, Belgrade, ME, 04917. All are welcome, bring a dish to share and a story to tell. Arrangements under the direction and care of Somerset Valley Remembrance Center, 19 Washburn Ln, Skowhegan, ME 04976. In lieu of flowers, spread his love by donating to The American Civil Liberties Union in his name (ACLU.org), or The Guide Olympics, Dead River Outdoor Club, PO Box 23, West Forks, ME 04985, Venmo @Deadriver-outdoorclub The family would like to thank the CNA's, Nurses and Dr. 's who gave John comfort in his final days. Thank you for treating him like one of your loved ones, not just a patient. Our thanks will never be enough.