Don Macdonald died at Mass General Hospital in Boston on Nov. 6 as a result of a stroke he suffered on Oct. 24.

Donald Earle Sherburne was born in Woburn on February 16, 1943 to Ginnie Farnham and Earle Sherburne. In 1950, Don moved to Martha’s Vineyard with his mother and younger brother, Jon. While on the Island, his mother met and married Herb Combra Sr. Don adopted his stepfather’s last name and was known as Don Combra through his high school years. Don was a member of the first class to graduate from MVRHS. Following Herb’s death, Ginnie met and married Gil Macdonald and Don again adopted his stepfather’s name.

After high school, he enlisted in the Air Force, where he was stationed in Nebraska as member of the 818th Transport Squadron. After returning from Nebraska, Don attended Vesper George School of Art in Boston where he met Betsy McKie. Don and Betsy both transferred to Southeastern Massachusetts University in South Dartmouth, graduating with a bachelor of arts in art education.

Don and Betsy married in Winsted, Conn. on Sept. 7, 1969. They made their home on the Island in a house Don built himself. On the Island, they operated a variety of business including a pet shop called The Glass Menagerie on Circuit Ave, a store at the airport called Taj where Don sold items he had made, and The Scrimshander in Edgartown that he and Betsy ran for 33 years. Don was a talented scrimshander and created many amazing pieces of scrimshaw over the years.

Don is survived by his wife, Betsy, and his two sons, Chris and Jared Macdonald. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, his younger brother, Jon Macdonald and wife, Julie.

His graveside service was Nov. 10 in the West Tisbury Cemetery with military honors provided by the Veterans of Martha’s Vineyard.

Donations may be made to the Martha’s Vineyard Fallen Firefighters’ Assoc. at the Tisbury Firefighters’ Assoc., P.O. Box 1313, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.