Collet E. "Mac" McElroy Obituary (1943 - 2013)

On Sunday morning, November 24, Mac passed into eternity with the peaceful gentleness that marked his life, and especially his last weeks. Collet Eugene McElroy was born on July 16, 1943, to Helen and Eugene McElroy in Roseburg, OR. After he completed junior high school, the family moved to northern California then back to Oregon, where Collet graduated from North Eugene High School. He attended Northrup Institute of Technology in Los Angeles. After graduation, "Mac" began a long and successful career as an aeronautical engineer. Mac served as an officer in the Air Force at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. In 1971 he married Kathleen Hixson of St. Louis, MO. They shared over 42 wonderful years together, living in California, England, Washington, and Arizona. Mac was committed to his faith, family, friends, and work. His life reflected his integrity and perseverance and was rooted in an authentic faith in God, which was nurtured and sustained by the study of the Bible. Mac loved his family and was proud of each one, always trusting them as he patiently encouraged them to strive for their best. Mac enjoyed spending time with his extended family and many friends. He continuously built relationships with those he met through his work at home and abroad, most recently in China. He leaves his wife, Kathy; son, Paul; daughter, Beth, son-in-law, Dave, and granddaughter, Hannah; mother, Helen; brother, David (Susie); sister, Linda (Alan); nephews, nieces, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law; countless friends and professional colleagues.