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J. Donald McBride
Born on December 19, 1916 in Richmond, IN, Don "Mac" McBride was welcomed into many arms. Considering he was born into a rather large family. He had 6 brothers and sisters overall. An older brother, and sister, and three younger brothers, and one younger sister. He spent his youth living in Shelbyville, IN. And moved to Richmond roughy in his junior high years. His dad was a civil engineer, whereas his mother stayed at home to take care of her family. Having such a vast family, there really wasn't any extra money. To make some spending money, Don took up a job at the local bowling alley as a pin setter. This was before the automatic setters' time. He also had a job as a golf cady at many different golf courses around. Such as, Forrest Hills, The Elks, and Glenn Miller. He had a membership at the Y. In those times, any boy who was every boy belinged to the Y. He went to high school at Morton High School, which is now known as Richmond High School. There he found his high school sweetheart, and later married her out of his senior graduation.

From the Court to The Whistle
Don "Mac" McBride was an avid sportsman; loved all kinds of sports. He was involved in basketball throughout his junoir high, and high school years. He played for Morton High School's basketball team as a forward. In 1935, he was part of a Final Four Richmond basketball team. then later on became a basketball coach, and an official for IHSAA. He was one of the state's well-known referees for almost 30 years. He began officiating right out of high school in 1935, and continued until he hung his jersey and whistle up in 1963. During his span of 28 years, he officiated more than 3,000 games. 1959 was the busiest year for McBride. He officiated over 115 games. He also officiated two consecutive times at the Indiana-Kentucky All-Star games, one in 1960 and the other in 1961. He also officiated two state finals, one in 1951 and 1952. He later went on to become the Indiana Football Hall of Fame president, and an inductee of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. There he recieved the Silver Medal Award. During his term of presidency of the Football Hall of Fame, he helped purchase, build and develope the Indiana Football Hall of Fame. He was a man of much value to this community. When Don rushed to the floor, he was sure to make a score during his game. "As a basetball official, coaches players, and fans either loved him or hated him. There was no middle ground." Jan Clark said about Don McBride.

Working Towards a Better Community
Glenn Miller park of Richmond, obtained the zoo because of Don McBride. He wanted different ways to better Richmond. He was a leader, he never took no for an answer. McBride was Richmond Department of Parks and Recreation's superintendant for 29 years. During his rein of superintendant, Richmond had many additions. Including the Highland Golf Course, Edward E. Cordell Municipal Pool, and Clear Creek Park. Each thing added to the community really made Don McBride proud. He also later became the president of the Boy's Club, and a member of the Townsend Center Board of Directors. His main goal was to have more activities for the kids, and teenagers of the community. He loved the youth, and always found different ways to get them involved. He was a man who'd do so much, with so very little.McBride often exchanged things, rather than paying for it. He'd want something from a company, and he'd give them something in exchange for it, saving Richmond a lot of money in the long run. He sought for perfection, and was hardly satisfied with being "okay". He strived for better things in Richmond, and his persistance helped create the community as it is now.

Stepping Up To The Plate
McBride has had many accomplishments over his years that have made him famous. Yet, the one thing that many people link to his name is the McBride Stadium, home of the Richmond Roosters. It was named after him on June 16, 1984. The stadium, which was host to many minor league baseball teams, changed over it's years. It was originally built in 1936, but was renovated in 1995, years after the stadium was named after McBride. Now, originally, the plan was to name Glenn Miller Park after McBride. But, he wanted nothing to do with that. He felt that was wrong, because Glenn Miller was named after the man who donated the land to use for a park. The town, then decided on naming the stadium after him, which he didn't have major issues with. He was quoted in 1987, during his ceremony, "I didn't build the stadium," he said, "I built the pool, I built the Highland Lake Golf Course. I didn't build the diamond. I inherited it; I fixed it up." Don said this in remark about having the stadium named after him. He was a modest individual, and felt that he shouldn't have been given the honor because he merely fixed up the diamond, rather than building it, like he did many other things. He was just doing what he felt should've been done.

Overall Good Guy
Words to describe Don McBride would be nothing short of amazing. He was so generous and giving to the community, he wanted nothing less of perfection when it came to helping out. Loyal, strong, leader, agreesive, strong willed, hard working; the list could go on and on. Don McBride was a man of many colors. He was given the position to do great things. He did more than that, he did miracles. Without Don McBride, who's to say that Glenn Miller would have the beauty it does? Or, that the places he's helped built would've been built? He's done a great deal to improve the quality of Richmond. All his actions are in the best interest of the people in the community, and truly are for the better. Whenever a kid needed a little extra help, you sure bet Don McBride would be the first with a helping hand. He's made this town what it is.

On Thursday, May 24, 2001 our town lost a very important person. Our town, our community, our state, even our country lost a legend. Don McBride was a welcoming soul, and an amazing person. We could use another Don McBride in our town. Further more, our world could use another Don McBride.