Obituary of Leo McIntyre

Mac McIntyre passed away on December 17, 2014, from complications of lung cancer. His passing was peaceful, with his wife, Gail, at his side. His health had declined dramatically in the past year, but he never gave up, hoping to beat it as he had twice in the past decade. Leo William McIntyre was a fifth generation Californian and was very proud of his ancestry. His Great-Great-Great Grandmother, Maria Antonia Tapia arrived in Monterey in 1776 with the De Anza Expedition. She was 13 years of age and was accompanied by her parents and eight siblings. On May 26, 1776, Maria Antonia Tapia and José Antonio Buelna were married by Father Junipero Serra in the Royal Presidio Chapel. Mac was born in Watsonville, California, to Otto and Catherine McIntyre. His family set high standards for a son who had a brilliant mind and a desire to succeed at whatever he attempted. Mac's wife, Gail, has suggested that she may write "The Book of Mac" to tell the story of the amazing, quirky and even ridiculous things that occupied his time over the years. Rather than rambling on here to chronologically narrate his life, it seems more important to list some achievements and thoughts about him. He graduated from Lincoln High School in San Francisco in 1944. He entered the Marine Corps through the V-12 program and served for two years during World War II and was recalled to Korea for two years in 1950. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Civil Engineering. Mac was Director of Public Works for the City of Concord for over 20 years and was Director of Public Works for the City of Monterey for 23 years. A Monterey Herald editorial at the time of his retirement in 1989, was entitled "Good Job, Mac". Following his retirement he established a consulting business which offered his services to attorneys as an expert witness in matters of traffic and public right-of-way disputes. Mac's wife, Gail, was his crack assistant. She accompanied him on many site visits and thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this venture. He had many interesting cases over the years. Mac was a complicated man. The underlying traits that guided his life and actions were integrity and honesty. He was there for anyone who needed him and spent many hours assisting his children, grandchildren and friends. He was a Mr. Fix-It who did not believe in disposing of anything. Mac was an organized pack rat and would spend many hours looking for his stuff which he knew was there somewhere! Mac's step-daughter Suzy and her husband Dave nick-named him The Highlander. Sons, Mike and Jeff, and step-son, Gary, were in awe of his intelligence, ability and persistence. His grandchildren loved and respected him. His step-granddaughter, Jamie Lee, was a great comfort to her Grandpa Mac, especially in his last days. Football was very important to Mac. He played for the Lincoln High Mustangs and attended the 60th and 65th reunions of their 1943 championship team. He was also on the Cal Bears team during his time at UC Berkeley. He supported every sport that his children, step-children, grandchildren and step-grandchildren played. He was always there - cheering them on and usually wearing his shorts!. Mac is survived by his wife of 40 years, Gail, his ex-wife, Betty, sons, Jeffrey (Mary) of Clayton, CA; Michael (Linda) of San Juan Bautista CA; step-son Gary (Cathy) of Carmel Valley CA; step-daughter Suzy (Dave) of Parowan, UT; granddaughter, Jessica McIntyre; and step-grandchildren, Christopher Powers, Jamie Lee Powers, Miranda Morgan and Chelsea Morgan and Miranda's daughters, Mya and Tyra. He was predeceased by his parents, Otto and Catherine McIntyre, sister Viola Thiele, and beloved grandson, Jonathan McIntyre. At Mac's request no services will be held. A Celebration of His Life for family and friends will be held at a later date. Please make any memorial contributions to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. Mac's wife Gail and the family wish to thank Dr, Jerome Rubin, Dr. Nancy Rubin, and the caring staff at Pacific Cancer Care; Dr. Bradley Tamler, Brittany Brubaker and the amazing staff at the CHOMP Cancer Center; and the incredible staff of nurses and assistants on the Terrace West Floor of CHOMP, including Dharma and the compassionate members of the Palliative Care team.