mcdonald spent his teenage years in salem, oregon, before settling in washington. after serving in the us navy, he worked as a janitor at the university of washington medical center from 1959 until his retirement in 1982. it was at work, in 1967, when co-workers suggested that he take over the role of santa for the sick children, after the regular santa had officially retired. his wife beryl acted as mrs. claus, and they would visit the patients throughout the entire year. starting in 1982, mcdonald would pose in pictures during the holiday season at the lake forest park towne centre, where he gained much of his recognition.