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Obituary For Brad McDonald
Octerloney Bradley McDonald, 68, died peacefully at home of cancer on May 6, 2021, in the presence of his wife and children. He was a wonderful, kind, decent man who loved his family and friends dearly. Born in New York, he was raised in Magnolia, New Jersey, then moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology at Western Kentucky University. While there, he met his future wife, Judy Orser, and followed her to North Carolina in 1978. After working two years in the Anatomy Department at Duke University, he was hired by Burroughs Wellcome. Surviving multiple mergers, he retired after 34 years from GlaxoSmithKline. In his professional life Brad worked mostly on anti-cancer drug discovery but also on broad acting anti-viral drugs to treat respiratory viruses like RSV, HRV, and Coronavirus. For cancer, his goal was to develop new drugs that would cure the cancer without the toxic side effects of available chemotherapies. He was a key contributor to the discovery of the approved medicine, Lapatinib, for breast cancer, and he also worked on a host of other programs for cancer targets such as RAF, MEK, PAK, and Aurora Kinases. His work on viral diseases was especially noteworthy given the current Coronavirus pandemic. During his last 4 years at GSK, Brad worked to discover drugs that would block a common mechanism used by different RNA viruses for replication in human hosts. Brad hoped that efforts like this would one day yield effective drugs for newly emerging viral illnesses. To friends and colleagues in the lab, he was known as an especially gifted scientist who could translate the most complicated concepts into accurate, robust, drug discovery screens. Most importantly, he was known as a great team member, friend, patient teacher and mentor for the many scientists who worked with him over the years. Brad was also known for maintaining a good work/life balance, and outside work, he loved traveling, golfing, fishing, boating, spending time with his family, and teaching his grandchildren to fish. He was always busy doing something.
In addition to his wife of 39 years, he is survived by his children, Lauren Markley (Ben) and Chris McDonald, and grandchildren, Michelle, Hank, Margot, and Claire, his older sister, Vickie Tracy (Dennis), mother-in-law (Liz Orser), brothers-in-law, Buddy Lamphere and Lance Durkee (Debbie), sisters-in-law Ruth McDonald and Joyce Mann (Hevy), ten nieces and nephews, and numerous great nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by both parents, Porter and Anna Jane McDonald, and two siblings, Connie Lamphere and Mark McDonald.
A graveside service will be held May 15, 2021, 2 pm, Maplewood Cemetery, Durham, Section 19.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to your favorite cancer-related charity.
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I am so fortunate to have met Brad when we were working in the same department at Burroughs Wellcome. He was always friendly and helpful and seemed to enjoy himself, whatever he was doing. We had a lot of fun those days and through the years especially celebrating the New Year at Brad and Judy's house. Those great memories of Brad remain with me. My thoughts and prayers are with Judy, Lauren and Chris.
My heartfelt sympathy to Judy,Lauren and Chris. Brad was an incredible person who will be so missed by so many. Brad brought joy to everyone who knew him. His gentle nature drew friends and family together. He was inclusive and nonjudgmental always making you feel like family. He had an inquisitive mind and loved life's adventures also some of it's finer things.
Dear Judy, Chris and Lauren and families, So long ago, 35 years, and yet just like yesterday, when we first met Brad at Burroughs Wellcome. Whilst distance has restricted our physically staying in touch, special people are always in our hearts, wherever we are located. We felt privileged that you came to Australia and visited, and we appreciated catching up on our return visits to NC. Memories are with us. Thank you for being you, and special thoughts at this sad time. Xx Rosie and Ali, Lisa and Nick Crouch ❤️
I met Brad through my friend Judy. I was privileged to attend their wedding in the Chapel at Duke University. It was obvious how smitten he was with her and she with him. I was delighted to meet him and experience his gentle nature. We shared some adventures traipsing across Frankfurt, Germany that are cherished memories. I send my deepest condolences to Judy, Chris, Lauren, their family relations and to their friends.
I was lucky to meet Brad & Judy many years ago through a shared friend, Duane. Although Brad had a quiet demeanor, he could also light up the room with his laugh. He worked hard at his job; and equally hard at his personal life. His desire to go fishing will always be a memory I will retain. My condolences to Judy, Lauren, Chris and your families. RIP Brad. Tom May
It was truly an honor to have been a friend of brads for over 50 years. To have shared all those laughs and experiences was such a pleasure. I am blessed to have them because he is still here because of the good thoughts I have of him. My prayers are with Judy ,Lauren,and Chris.
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