WEST FARGO, N.D. — Ronald McDonald — "Red" to his family and friends — loved his service to country, his family, hockey and golf.

Red lived to golf. And that is where he spent his final moments.

As Moorhead's Village Green was preparing to wrap up the summer golf season, Red came out on Nov. 4 for one last round. But he suffered a heart attack and died there on the golf course.

The West Fargo man was 75.

"They started CPR and called 911, but they weren't able to bring him back," said Elaine McDonald, Red's wife. "That is what the kids and grandkids and I have been telling ourselves that Dad was doing something he truly loved."

When the Canadian-born Ronald McDonald joined the U.S. Navy in 1969, he was just 19. He was sent to Vietnam.

"He was very proud of his service," Elaine said.

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