Details

Collection Summary
Collection: FND001 - SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Series: Tribute
Folder: DIG
Item: 272256
Title: M. Scott MacDonell
Date: 6/1/1959-8/14/2026
Inscription/Marks: 6/1/1959
Summary: Mark Scott MacDonell, 67, passed away unexpectedly on August 14, 2026, at his home in Watford City, ND. A celebration of life was held August 20, 2026, at the Lewis and Clark Building at Tobacco Gardens Resort and Marina near Watford City. Scott was born on June 1, 1959, in Renton, WA, to Roberta and Robert MacDonell. He grew up in Renton and attended Lindbergh High School, graduating in 1977. Growing up, he had a passion for music, which led to him learning the drums and, in turn, inspiring his nephew, Rob, to play them as well. Scott was known as friendly and outgoing, which led to many amazing friendships. Scott moved to North Dakota in 1998 and found a home and community in Watford City. He joined dart leagues, went fishing, played cribbage, and spent his days enjoying time with friends. He also enjoyed doing odd jobs around town to stay busy in the cold winters. He talked often about Washington and Mount Rainier, “HIS mountain,” and was looking forward to visiting again soon. He enjoyed the simple things in life: fishing, Seattle sports teams, listening to music, and enjoying a good meal with friends and family. Scott was also endlessly proud of his Scottish heritage and made sure his kids knew it, often starting or ending sentences with, “because we're Scottish.” This earned more than a couple of sighs and eye rolls from his kids, who are now also endlessly proud to be Scottish like their dad. The thing he loved most in life, without question, was family. His relationship with his older brother, Mick, meant so much to him. He often talked about their phone calls and looked forward to the next one. His kids and grandkids were the true joys of his life. If you wanted to get this typically soft-spoken man talking, just ask him about Shane, Kaylee, Colton, or Dusty, and you'd get more information than you probably wanted. Affectionately called Papa Mac, just like his own father, he lit up anytime he thought about his grandkids. There wasn't a music program or sporting event he wasn't willing to attend. Even if the action was slow and the music was mediocre at best, he was there with a giant smile on his face. The visits he was able to make to meet and spend time with Calder were especially meaningful to Papa, as he was so grateful for yet another precious grandbaby to love. He is survived by his brother, Mick (Marilyn) MacDonell; his children, Shane MacDonell, Kaylee (Derek) Benz, Colton (Makenzie) MacDonell, and Dusty (Jannika) Denegar; his grandchildren, Griffin, Montgomery, and Jubilee Benz, Calder MacDonell, and Ambrey Denegar; his nephew, Robert (Tia) Dozark; and his nieces, Kathryn (Travis) Griffin and Monica (Mike) Hodder; as well as many other family and friends whom he loved dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Roberta MacDonell; and his sister, Robin Engum.
Red ID: FND_I_79748 Image ID: 596691 Image Notes: FND001 272256

Collection: FND001 Digitized Images from Collection
Title: SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Date: -

Summary: The North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program is sponsored by the North Dakota Funeral Directors Association. The life stories of deceased North Dakotans are featured in an archvied collection. Current partners in the project are Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Services, Bismarck Evans Funeral Homes, Carrington and New Rockford Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home, Williston Fulkerson Funeral Home, Tioga Fulkerson Funeral Home, Watford City Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home, Williston Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck Springan Stevenson Funeral Home, Stanley Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson These funeral homes provide recent obituaries to the Foundation, where staff and volunteers format, edit and archive each memorial. The memorials are posted, and copies are sent to the family for their input and approval. The listing currently features more than 13,000 memorials, and is constantly updated as new memorials and histories are received.

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