270 OBITUARY. 
By his death, April 22, 1922, the Society loses one of its charter members, and one who 
was a unique figure in the shipbuilding industry on the Pacific Coast until his health forced 
him to retire. 
JOHN ADDIE DONALD 
ASSOCIATE 
Mr. Donald was born at Kirkintilloch near Glasgow, Scotland, July 24, 1856. He was 
educated in the grammar and high schools of Scotland. He began business life with John 
R. Young & Co., ship brokers. His early experience, after spending a year or two in Italy, 
was with the firm of Walker, Donald & Co.,of which his brother, the late James Donald, 
was a partner. This firm was engaged in the shipbuilding business from 1875 to 1888. In 
connection with this business Mr. Donald came to the United States in 1884, where he looked 
after the interests of a number of the steamers of his firm, which were engaged in the fruit 
trade between New York and Central America. 
Mr. Donald in 1897 became interested in shipowning and purchased his first ship in that 
year. In 1902 he formed and became president of the Donald Steamship Co., New York. 
Mr. Donald gained further shipping experience as a director of the Atlantic Fruit Company. 
When in 1917 Secretary of the Treasury McAdoo insisted that Mr. Donald become a 
member of the U. S. Shipping Board, it was undoubtedly with a feeling of patriotism for the 
country of his adoption that prompted Mr. Donald to relinquish a very profitable business 
connection in order to devote himself to the responsible tasks which fell on the shoulders of 
members of the Shipping Board. 
Mr. Donald was the only member of the original Shipping Board having experience in 
the shipping business. His work on the board was most important. He was particularly 
charged with supervising the repairing and fitting out of the German and Austrian ships 
which were lying in American ports and were seized by the Government after they had 
been severely damaged by their original crews. He was also placed in charge of the re- 
cruiting service, the Ship Protection Committee, and of the Ship Operating Committee. 
Although taking up public office at a time in life when he could have retired and spent 
the remainder of his life in ease, he devoted his untiring energy to the needs of the country 
in shipping, which became of such vital importance during the war. His many years of 
experience proved of inestimable value to the Government in the performance of the respon- 
sible duties which were thrust upon him. Throughout the entire war and until the end of 
his term he devoted his time, energy and health to his country’s demand. Many men, much 
younger than he, broke down under the terrific strain of public duties in those days, when 
the best each man had in him was required in the interests of the nation. Mr. Donald left 
office with his health shattered but with the consciousness of having performed his part in 
the great conflict to the uttermost of his ability. It was frequently a cause of wonderment 
of his confréres how he could bear up under the burdens which were placed upon him. His 
death at a time when he should have been enjoying a well-earned rest marks Mr. Donald 
as one of the sacrifices of the Great War as truly as though he had fallen on the fields of 
Flanders. Mr. Donald was well and favorably known to the shipping public throughout 
the land. His patriotism and courage were inspiring to those associated with him. His 
genial disposition and his unfailing willingness to help all who applied to him for assistance 
