Seattle man donates secret fortune to Seattle Children’s, UW law school

For many years, a Seattle attorney lived very frugally even wearing sweaters with holes in the elbows so no one would know just how wealthy he was.

When Jack MacDonald died in September at the age of 98, he left a $187.6 million charitable trust that will be split between Seattle Children’s, the University of Washington Law School, and the Salvation Army.

It’s the single largest charitable gift to Seattle Children’s in its 106-year history. The hospital said MacDonald’s legacy will be used to fund pediatric research taking place at its research institute.

“Jack’s gift is an inspiration to all of us. It is one of the largest ever to a children’s hospital. And it is the largest single gift in support of pediatric research,” said Doug Picha, President of Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation and a friend to Jack for many years.

UW Law School Dean Kellye Testy said so many students will benefit from the donation.

“What he asked is that we donate about half of that towards student scholarships and we’re just thrilled with that because we really want to make our outstanding program of legal education available to students of all economic backgrounds,” said Testy.

MacDonald amassed his wealth by using his pay as an attorney for Veteran’s Affairs, along with money he inherited from his parents, to invest in the stock market.

Seattle Children’s said MacDonald found joy in knowing he was perceived as being “eccentric” while living at Horizon House. He was a coupon clipper and a bargain hunter who spent 60 years taking great care of the nest egg he inherited from his parents.

KIRO Radio’s Ursula Reutin contributed to this report.