Donald McGhie passed away on Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Doris McGhie, and brothers, Joseph and Dale. He is survived by his wife, Wallis Calder McGhie; their daughter, Dawni McGhie of Reno; and son Shawn "Mac" McGhie, daughter-in-law Jennifer, and their adored grandchildren, Katie and Alec, of Mill Valley, Calif. He is also survived by his sister Sue Hill of Carson City, Nev.
Don was born on March 6, 1934 in Caliente, Nev. He took great pride in his Southern Nevada roots. After graduating from Lincoln County High School, Don, along with his cousin, Bob Smeath, and good friends, Donnie Rowan and Dick Stringham, headed north to accept an invitation from Jake Lawlor to play basketball at the University of Nevada, Reno. The following year, he and Bob took time away from academics to serve their country in the Army. Later, Don served in the Marine Corp Junior ROTC as a junior rifleman, and was stationed in Germany during the Korean War.
Don graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in Accounting and his C.P.A. designation. He supported the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, was a member of the Wolfpack Boosters, and served as an advisor for the Business School.
After graduating from college, Don met his wife Wally through an introduction by their lifelong friend, Ed Comer. Don and Wally celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past November, followed by a Christmas celebration surrounded by family and friends in December. Don and Wally were not only partners in marriage but also in business, and were each others' best friend and confidante.
Don began his career at Kafoury Armstrong, becoming a senior partner with the firm before leaving to become the chief executive officer of Bally's Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. He was passionate about his work in the gaming industry, and enjoyed many years as the principal of McGhie Consulting.
Don was also a member of the Prospector's Club and, along with his wife Wally, shared many fond memories of special evenings at organization's holiday parties and events.
Don was an avid sports fan whose hobbies included hunting and fishing. He cherished memories of coaching his son's YMCA basketball teams. Don also loved traveling with his family, cooking with his daughter Dawni, sitting down for a nice meal, and sharing stories. He was always keen to learn about his family members' interests and offered endless support of their endeavors, both personal and professional. A proud grandfather, Don enjoyed watching his grandson Alec play baseball, and attending his granddaughter Katie's dance recitals.
A family memorial service will be held in southern Nevada. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows or to the Kylie Hillbish Fund at the Winnemucca Wells Fargo Branch.
The McGhie family would like to thank the staff at Cascades of the Sierra for their extraordinary care, professionalism and outstanding cuisine.
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