Christopher Arthur MacDonald, 48, of Ashburn, Virginia, passed away on June 25, 2021, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Born on February 3, 1973, to Carolyn Ann Arthur and James P. MacDonald in Fairfax, Virginia, Chris grew up in Northern Virginia, primarily in Fairfax.

Chris was known for his deep love for his daughters, music, skateboarding, art, cars, pit bull puppies, soccer, and memorable Halloween decorations – but perhaps most, Chris will be known for his wit and irreverent sense of humor. From putting googly eyes on cars and toilet seats, to inappropriate photo bombing, to executing a perfectly timed snarky comment, Chris knew how to make just about anyone laugh – even when they did not want to.

He was a graduate of Fairfax High School but spent his sophomore and junior years at Joe Gibbs' Youth for Tomorrow (YFT), in Bristow, Virginia. His time at YFT was a pivotal point in his life, and he often shared stories of how he beat everyone at pool, epic basketball & soccer games with his best friend Andrew Hill (the Rhino), musical performances at the Kennedy Center for notables such as President George H. W. & Barbara Bush, Bob Hope, Rich Little and other; but perhaps most importantly - his spiritual awakening through Bible study.

Those that knew him well would likely say this is where Chris honed his sense of humor and talent for pulling off the perfect prank. It also instilled in him a deep sense of faith and community service. As such, he continued to support and attend fundraisers for YFT until his passing.

Chris was extremely creative and this defined his professional life. After starting in the print business in 1995, Chris quickly saw how the internet was changing the world and decided to teach himself web design and development. In 2001, he and several others founded DevElements, Inc. where he served as Creative Director and helped grow the business from zero to over $4M a year in revenue. After the sale of DevElements in 2004, Chris went on to work with organizations like American Red Cross, ComScore, and CarFax to help build beautiful web sites that would be enjoyed by hundreds of millions of visitors each month. Chris quickly built a reputation for being a pioneer in the field of User Experience and Design so in 2008, he established his own design firm, Second Nature Studio. He consulted on web site and product initiatives for brands like Bentley, Audi, Volkswagen, and Rosetta Stone to name a few. Chris spent his career in a field that he genuinely loved and was brilliant at his craft.

Chris' eye for design and artistic talents extended far beyond his professional life. He was an avid collector of beautiful and well-designed objects – from skateboard decks to Nike shoes, to art – and often created his own pieces for himself and friends and family. Custom greeting cards for friends and family, t-shirts, logos, sculpture, leatherwork, paintings; Chris' creations are loved and cherished by family & friends.

In 2002, Chris married Susan Branner and had two beautiful daughters, Kyla Rae (17 years) and Tegan Skye (10 years). His love for his girls knew no bounds, and he shared with them his passion for art, music, soccer, skateboarding and perhaps most importantly – his sense of humor and compassion for others.

Chris had a deep belief in the spiritual power of AA. He will be sorely missed but remembered for his soul that is within each person he touched, counseled, and spent time with.

Chris was a force of nature. Charismatic, always fashionably dressed and generous with his time when friends and family needed help. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He was unendingly proud of Kyla and Tegan – and utterly devoted to providing them with very best life could offer.

Chris was predeceased by his father, James P. Macdonald. He is survived by his two daughters, Kyla and Tegan; Mother, Carolyn Ann Arthur; Sister, Jennifer Ann Reedy and her husband Nathan Reedy; Nieces, Amelia Reedy, Lauren MacDonald and Ruthie MacDonald; Nephews, Jacob Reedy and Aaron MacDonald; Longtime partner, Ashley Giles; His children's mother, Susan MacDonald, Stepmother, Deborah MacDonald and half-brothers and sister; James P. Macdonald, Jr. and wife Ellen Macdonald, Sarah MacDonald, David MacDonald, Adam MacDonald and wife Megan MacDonald and John MacDonald.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations in Chris's memory to The Adler Center for Caring, 24419 Millstream Drive, Aldie, VA 20105, OR to the Jim Macdonald Scholarship Fund at the Dare Coalition Against Substance Abuse at P.O. Box 3604, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948.

" Lay down my dear brothers, lay down and take your rest
Won't you lay your head upon your Savior's breast
I love you, but Jesus loves you the best
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight
And I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight"

Visitation will take place on July 8 from 10am - 11am at Colonial Funeral Home, 201 Edwards Ferry Road NE, Leesburg, VA. Followed immediately  by a memorial service at 11am.