Naval Institute Foundation

In Appreciation: Rosa McDonald

Feisty and colorful USNI Commodore Rosa Laird McDonald, 92, died peacefully at her home in Delaware, on 3 January 2009. She was a 40-year Life Member, a generous supporter, and a popular visitor to Beach Hall.

After graduating from high school in 1934 she worked as a girl Friday at her family's private airport in Wilmington, Delaware and became certified as a pilot by age 21. She was a passenger on one of the first round-the-world Pan American Clipper flights in 1939 and finagled her way into several stints as co-pilot during the eight-week journey.

After the death of Nathan Hayward, the Army officer she married in 1941, Rosa wed Ellice McDonald, who survives her. They shared a passion for animals, domestic and exotic, and always had a menagerie of pets roaming their estate, Invergarry. Rosa's lifelong interest in genealogy led her to trace Ellice's Scottish roots and to ignite his interest in his family's strong ties to the Isle of Skye. Ellice eventually became Chieftain of the Clan Donald Society of the United States.

Rosa's insatiable curiosity extended to military subjects, as well. When she researched the role of Nepalese Ghurka regiments in World War II and learned of their shabby treatment after the war, she created a program of privately financed care for these unsung heroes. In 1992, Queen Elizabeth II made Rosa an Honorary Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of her long-time commitment to the Ghurka Welfare Trust.

In addition to Ellice, she is survived by a daughter, Nancy Hayward, sons Nathan and Pierre Hayward, and five grandsons. Her daughter Rosa Hayward Jones died in 2006.

Rosa McDonald, throughout her life, remained sharp as a tack. Her wit and warm good humor will be missed by all who knew and appreciated her.

Top Supporters of 2008

The Naval Institute enjoyed the support of a record number of major donors in 2008. Our thanks to the following individuals whose generosity placed them in our Leadership Circle for 2008:

Mr. Robert C. Bellas, Jr.

Commander Pete Bennett, USN (Ret.)

Captain Nicholas Brown, USN (Ret.)

Mr. Clyde L. Crawford

Captain Russell S. Crenshaw Jr., USN (Ret.)

Vice Admiral Dirk J. Debbink, USN

Mr. Donald R. Dixon

Captain Charles D. Fox III, USNR (Ret.)

Captain Wayne R. Fritz, USN (Ret.)

Commander Harold E. Gordon, USNR (Ret.)

Mr. Alan C. Goudy

Mr. Richard H. Hakanson

Mr. Milledge A. Hart III

Mr. Paul Hoff

Lieutenant Commander Lawrence B. Hunt, USN (Ret.)

Captain James E. Johnson, USN (Ret.)

Mr. Howard J. Kestenberg

Captain Harry W. Konkel, USN (Ret.)

Commander John T. Knudsen, USN (Ret.)

Captain Lloyd G. LeCain Jr., USN (Ret.)

Colonel Andrew J. Ley, USMCR (Ret.)

Captain Paul G. Linaweaver Jr., USN (Ret.)

Mr. David Lyman

Mr. Philip W. McMahan

Mrs. Angie F. Marshall

Commander Channing W. Medwedeff, USN (Ret.)

Commander W. Lincoln Mossop Jr., USN (Ret.)

Colonel George Mushalko, USAF (Ret.)

The Honorable Sean O'Keefe

Lieutenant Commander Jason M. Pilalas, USNR (Ret.)

Mr. Frank T. Price

Dr. Michael Rabinowitz

Lieutenant Commander Thor H. Ramsing, USNR (Ret.)

Mr. Robert S. Regan

Lieutenant Commander James A. Roberts, USNR (Ret.)

Commander Richard M. Rosenberg, USNR

Dr. Robert W. Selle

Mr. Eugene Siembieda

Vice Admiral George P. Steele II, USN (Ret.)

Commander Ralph W. Stell Jr., USN (Ret.)

Mr. Gerald D. Sullivan

Mr. R. Peter Sullivan III

Mr. Andrew F. Tabas

Mr. Andrew C. Taylor

Mr. O. Jay Tomson

Vice Admiral Patricia A. Tracey, USN (Ret.)

Mr. Everett P. Weaver

Mr. Howard R. Weiss

Captain James E. Wise Jr., USN (Ret.)

Vice Admiral Lando W. Zech, Jr., USN (Ret.)

Anonymous Donor