Gordon Charles (Mac) McCaffrey
April 27, 1929 – October 17, 2014
It is with profound sadness that we announce Mac’s passing on October 17, 2014 after a brief illness preceded by a 7-year struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. His wife Barbara, son Michael and stepsons John and Andrew McFetrick were by his side.
Mac’s journey began on April 27, 1929 in Kénogami, Quebec. His parents would raise six children; eldest Francis (Frank), sister Genevieve, twins Alice and Doris, Gordon (Mac) and sister Betty. His brother Frank and sister
Gen predeceased him.
A natural athlete, Mac excelled in sport and loved ski jumping in his youth. He would take this enthusiasm to the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, where he served as an official for the jumping event. Mac’s tennis serve was lethal;
his golf swing, not so much.
Mac attended Royal Roads Military College. The tales he told of his days as a young naval officer were legend (if not greatly exaggerated). He later attended McGill University before starting his business interests Silbo Sales and Steel-Flo Industries. His formal career came to a close as a marketing consultant with DuPont where his experience and acumen were held in high esteem.
Mac married Virginia Dean, and together raised two sons, Robert (Bob) and Michael (Mike), and two daughters, Anne and Mimi. Years later he met Barbara. They married in 1982 and enjoyed 32 years together. He was very proud of all his family and is survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mac faked retirement for a few years before trading in his briefcase for a set of golf clubs and a kayak, and long walks with his pal Zoe, a golden retriever, one of three that brought him enormous joy, first with Casey, then Zoe and finally Ginger.
Mac’s love of nature found him paddling through the waters around Salt Spring Island, where he and Barbara lived for 11 years after leaving Calgary in 1998.
Mac was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2008. He was devastated by the burden he knew Barbara would face, but confronted his illness with typical stoicism that was so much a part of his character. Mac was not one to complain, and he soldiered on as best he could, while he could.
In December 2012, Mac moved to Luther Court. Mac’s family wishes to extend its most sincere gratitude for the tremendous care and attention they afforded him. Staff demonstrated great compassion not only towards Mac, but also to Barbara, and she is especially grateful to the Heroes in 3 West.
Cremation has taken place and he will be interred at St. Paul’s Church on Salt Spring Island. A reception will follow in November. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Luther Court Society in Victoria.