Hundreds attend service for dad who tried to rescue daughter

By Brian Ballou, Globe Staff

MASHPEE -- A crowd of about 400 people gathered today at the funeral of a Groton man who drowned last Sunday on Cape Cod while trying to rescue his 10-year-old daughter from a current that threatened to carry her out to sea.

Thomas McDonald, 46, was remembered as an outdoorsman and a guy with a sense of humor who could fix almost anything. Above all, he was remembered as a father who loved his children and dedicated his life to their betterment.

His father, Fred McDonald, broke out in tears while telling mourners at the Parish of Christ the King that "on the 31st of August, Tom was being a dad.''

Thomas McDonald was the third person to drown at Chatham's Lighthouse Beach since 2005, according to town officials.

McDonald's daughter, Kinley, was rescued from the waves. At the funeral today, she walked behind her father's mahogany-colored casket, a solemn expression on her face. Many adults in the aisles patted her on the shoulder as she passed.

Town officials in Chatham voted Wednesday night to suspend swimming at Lighthouse Beach and posted warning signs. Town officials said they would investigate how to move forward with the beach for next summer.

Susan Hanifan took a stroll yesterday along the beach and remarked that its scenic beauty concealed dangers.

"When people come out here, they don't see the currents and what's underneath the water. Even when the waves are choppy, it still looks inviting. But the ocean is so strong, so powerful,'' said Hanifan, 43, who co-owns a summer house on the Cape and has swum off the beach in past years.

"I haven't gone in a while, because it's just too dangerous, and deep in some places," she said.

Contributions can be made to the family at McDonald Family Fund c/o Middlesex Savings Bank. For more information, call 978-952-6366

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