In Memoriam: Dr. Digby Macdonald (1943-2025)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Prof. Digby Macdonald, who left us on June 11, 2025, at the age of 81, at the UC Davis Hospital in Sacramento, CA.

Born on December 7, 1943, in Thames, New Zealand, Digby was the son of Leslie Graham and Francis Helena (Verry) Macdonald. From an early age, he exhibited a keen interest in the sciences, which he pursued with unwavering dedication. After obtaining his Bachelor's and Master’s degrees at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, he moved to Canada to receive his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Calgary.

He held numerous positions at Stanford Research Institute (SRI) in Menlo Park, CA, at Ohio State University, and at Pennsylvania State University, where he served as a Distinguished Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Director of the Center for Electrochemical Science and Technology from 2003 to 2012. In 2012 Digby was appointed Professor in Residence in the Departments of Nuclear Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley.

Throughout his career, Digby published over 1000 papers in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings and authored four books. He was honored with the W.B. Lewis Memorial Lecture by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited in 1993, recognizing his pivotal contributions to the development of nuclear power. This prestigious lecture is awarded to individuals whose work significantly advances the peaceful use of atomic energy, and Digby was only the sixth recipient, joining a select group that includes three Nobel Laureates. His accolades in the scientific community were numerous and he was highly respected worldwide. He received the U.R. Evans Award, the highest honor in corrosion science from the UK's Institute of Corrosion; the 2014 Frumkin Memorial Medal from the International Society of Electrochemistry; and the 2013 Gibbs Award. He was also nominated for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2011.

He was widely admired not only for his scientific brilliance but also for his character. Colleagues and collaborators often described him as intensely curious, intellectually fearless, and deeply principled. He was known for his unwavering commitment to scientific integrity and his willingness to challenge prevailing assumptions, whether in the field of corrosion science or broader societal debates, such as climate policy. He had a reputation for being generous with his time, especially with students and early-career researchers. Many recall his mentorship as both rigorous and encouraging, pushing them to think critically while offering steadfast support. His wisdom, humor, and compassion touched the lives of all who knew him, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and colleagues.

Digby was also an avid sailor and spent many happy days with family and friends boating off the coasts of New Zealand, the San Francisco Bay, the Caribbean, and the Tampa area.

Digby is survived by his spouse, Mirna Urquidi-Macdonald, and his children, Leigh Dagberg, Matthew Macdonald, Duncan Macdonald, Nahline Gouin-Mecum, and five grandchildren. He will be deeply missed.

Memorial services to celebrate Digby's life among ex-graduate students, postdoctoral students, colleagues, friends, and family are scheduled to be held in California at Suisun Valley Road, Fairfield, CA, on July 19. And in Apollo Beach, Florida (South of Tampa) in January 2026. Details of the memorials will follow. Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charitable organization of your choice in memory of Digby.

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