Philip Darby McDonald, 84, of Apple Valley, passed away Nov. 4, 2012. Survived by his wife Joan of 61 years; sons, Jim, Kurt, Ty, and Brad (Jill) McDonald; grandchildren, Jenna, Philip, Terry, Becky and Maureen McDonald; sister, Marian (Abe) Gonzales; brother, Bob (Mary) McDonald; nieces and nephews. Phil, known as Darby, graduated from Whitworth University in Spokane, WA and Dallas Theological Seminary. Young Life, an international youth ministry, harnessed his gifts and passion to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with young people. Many consider him to be one of the pioneers of effective youth ministry in America. One of his specific contributions was envisioning/developing Castaway Club, a Young Life resort in Detroit Lakes, MN. This property serves thousands of kids and adults annually. In 1979, with the aid of Gov. Al Quie, Fr. John Farletti, and Federal Judge Miles Lord, Darby founded Youth Forum MN. The goal was to give every kid an opportunity to consider a relationship with Jesus Christ, especially teens in smaller towns/ rural areas. This program became known as Summer Festival held on college campuses throughout the state. Thirty years and 20,000 teenagers later, Summer Festival continues to be one of the greatest gifts to kids and the communities they come from. Phil will be remembered for his love of family, his unbelievable sense of humor, his ecumenical outreach, and his promotion of women to executive positions in Young Life/youth ministry, before it was politically correct. There will be a visitation service at Hope Presbyterian Church, 7132 Portland Ave S., Richfield, on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with an informal time of fellowship and a designated time for friends to share their memories from 6:30 to 7:30. Memorial services will be on Friday, Nov. 16, at 2:30 p.m. at Hope Presbyterian Church. The family hopes you will join them in remembering and celebrating Darby's life and ministry. Memorials preferred to Youth Forum 3530 E. 28th St., Suite 210, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
