Sylvia H. McDonald

Sylvia settled in Colorado in 1952 and soon joined the Arapahoe Hunt, which became the focal point of the rest of her life. In 1956, she co-founded Colorado’s first Pony Club with Rowena Rogers. Sylvia maintained a deep appreciation for art and ballet, as a continuance of her family background. An instinctive and accomplished competitor; Sylvia was winning awards from the age of 3 until well into her 80’s. In 1966, Sylvia married Colorado native, Dr. Roderick J. McDonald III. Together with her husband, Rod, equestrian events, skiing, and tennis filled her calendar. Sylvia was the faithful friend of many who now mourn her passing. Although her saddle has been cleaned and put away for the last time, we hope Sylvia will be fondly remembered for the many contributions she has made in passing on the discipline and dedication of traditional equestrian activities. We who have known and loved her are comforted in knowing she has jumped her final fence and awaits her family and friends just beyond the horizon. Sylvia is preceded in death by her parents, G. Newell Hurd and Ruth Herrick Hurd. She is survived by her husband, Roderick J. McDonald III, M.D.; her children, Lyn Robinson of Littleton, CO, Keith (Maureen) Robinson of Brewer, ME, Laura (Steve) Roberts of Larkspur, CO, Sylvia ‘Ricky’ Robinson of Las Vegas, NM, Charles Robinson of Littleton, CO; her grandchildren, Ian Robinson of Tel Aviv, Israel & Brewer, ME; her stepchildren, Catherine McDonald Stone of Sedalia, CO, Roderick ‘Rory’ (Deeann) McDonald of Castle Rock, CO, Ranald ‘Randy’ McDonald of Kona, HI, Robb (Linda Powers) McDonald of Larkspur, CO; her step grandchildren, Carrie (Bruce) Thompson of Sedalia, CO, Taylor McDonald of Wichita, KS, Jade M. E. Angster of Reno, NV; and her step great grandchildren, Hanna Thompson of Sedalia, CO, Kannon Hoefler of Wichita, KS, & Kyle Hoefler of Wichita, KS. A Memorial Service will take place in private at a later date. Please share your memories of Sylvia and condolences with the family by signing out Guestbook below.