Jeffrey Dean McDonald, M.D., Ph.D
January 12, 1957 - February 29, 2024
Dr. Jeffrey Dean McDonald passed away February 29, 2024 in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Born in Grand Haven, Michigan January 12, 1957, Jeff was 67 years old.
Jeff’s intellectual gifts were recognized early in his youth and he excelled in his studies. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Notre Dame before attending the University of Chicago where he earned a Ph.D in Molecular Biology from the department of Biochemistry and an M.D. from the Pritzker School of Medicine, graduating with honors. Jeff completed his internship at the University of California, Department of Surgery, San Francisco, California and a six year residency in the Department of Neurosurgery, also at UCSF. He received his Board Certification from the American Board of Neurological Surgery in 1998.
At the conclusion of his residency, Jeff was hired by the University of Utah, Department of Neurosurgery, where he most enjoyed preoperative and intraoperative brain mapping in tandem with Dr. Brian Chong to identify lesions/tumors near the eloquent cortex. He was the author of several neurosurgical articles and publications and presented around the globe including Bermuda and Agra, India.
In 1999 Jeff departed the University of Utah and began private practice in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho where he helped countless patients throughout the Northwest live better lives. He was named to the Best Doctors in America listing several years in a row and was awarded 5 Star (highest) rating by HealthGrades, Inc. for back and neck spine surgery, fusion category, and ranked as one of the Nation’s Top-20 for Spine Surgery, Fusion Category, Money Magazine, Fall 2003 Heath Special Report.
Jeff retired in 2018 and enjoyed playing the piano, growing orchids, hiking, photography, wine, and most of all reading and continuing to learn. He is survived by his wife, Devi, their daughter, Brea, and son, Landen, as well as his sister Marcie (Steve) Hogue, brother Brad (Barb) McDonald and several nieces and nephews.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide immediately call or text 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. In addition, please consider making an impact by donating to the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation. www.huntsmanmentalhealthfoundation.org.
In Loving Memory
Dearest Devi & Family: My heart aches to hear of this sad news. I will keep you all in my prayers at this difficult time of transition. Peace be with you all. With Sympathy: Gina & Family
Gina LaMark
Santa Rosa, CA
Dear Devi, Brea, and Landen, We are heartbroken at this news! Please know you are in our prayers and we will pray for the repose of the soul of Jeff. He was such an intelligent, generous, and loving person. Steve feels very blessed to have worked with him and known him. We are very grieved. Take special care and God bless! With love, Steve and Karen Kraft
Karen and Stephen Kraft
Spokane, WA
Devi, It takes a long time to get over the loss of a husband so have patience with yourself. My prayer is asking God to help you, Brea, and Landon feel peace in the knowledge that Jeff is now free from his earthly struggles. God bless
Frankie Monroe
Layton, UT
Devi, Brea, and Landen, Our family sends our deepest condolences to each of you. May you feel surrounded in God's love. Peace be with you all.
Katie Kladar
Hayden, ID