Gaylord “Mac” Mc Alary

Gaylord “Mac” Mc Alary, age 89, was called home on Sunday, November 6, 2016.  “Through it All” here on earth he has reached his eternal home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He is survived by his cherished and devoted wife of 68 years, Mary.  Upon their first meeting it was “love at first sight”.  His precious children, who loved him dearly, experienced through his quiet strength, wisdom and words of encouragement; he is a father every kid dreams of.  Mac lived a life of love and faithfulness to the Lord and to his family.  He passed on his work ethics and above all his faith and trust in God to his loving children:  Linda (Gary) Norder, Vicki (Rick) Sikkema, Dan (Michelle) Mc Alary.  His legacy of love and faith are passed on to his dear grandchildren: Eric (Mollie) Sikkema, Kris Retzlaff, Sara (Kurt) Suidinski, Nate (Liza) Norder, Ashton (K.J.) Landis, Trent (Gabbie) Mc Alary, Kalon Mc Alary; great grandchildren:  Shane Retzlaff, Brandon Retzlaff, Samantha Suidinski, Mia Sikkema, Ellie Norder, Cody Suidinski, Bryce Norder, Calder Sikkema and Trey Landis.  Also surviving him are his brothers:  Earl (Alice), Keith, Larry (Sandy); sister, Barbara Wagner; several nieces, nephews and special friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters:  Marian Oppenhuizen, Frances Yankey; brothers: Robert and Ralph.  Mac proudly served in the Army during WWII as a Corporal in the Panama War Zone.  He was a plotter for anti-aircraft and was later transferred into the Medics.  His work history is a cabinet maker who crafted and designed his own line of furniture.  Mac retired from the U.S. Post Office as a rural carrier.  He enjoyed all sports, especially hunting and fishing.  Through their years together, Mac and Mary have traveled extensively to other countries as well as throughout the U.S.  With personal determination he met life’s adversities never severing from his faith in God, always thankful for God’s grace and goodness.  His prayer has always been that his loved ones know the salvation of Jesus Christ:  “For what shall it profit a man if he gains the world but loses his own soul.”  Mark 8:36  Because of his passion and highlights of quality time spending with his family he will be dearly missed.  Funeral services will be held on Friday 12 pm at Hudsonville Reformed Church, 3950 Highland, Hudsonville with Rev. Chad DeGraff officiating.  Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday from 10-11:30 am at the church prior to the service.  Because of Mac’s heartfelt interest in youth of the church, those who wish may make memorial contributions in his memory, to the Youth Ministries of Hudsonville Reformed Church or Faith Hospice.