Charles 'Mac' McLain, 92
Charles "Mac" McLain, 92, passed away, as gently and peacefully as he lived his life on Friday, Dec. 10, 2010. Mac lived his happiest day in Coeur d'Alene, moving here in 1946 after he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. Charles was born on Oct. 1, 1918, in Devil's Lake, N.D., the youngest of six children.
Charles graduated from high school in 1937. Charles played the alto saxophone in his high school band, developing a love of music which lasted his lifetime. Mac was an active member of the Coeur d'Alene Elk's Marching Band and later played in the Elk's Dance Band which became the Coeur d'Alene Big Band until he was 80 years old.
The love of Mac's life was his wife Betty. He met her on the beach of Lake Coeur d'Alene while he was driving a taxi boat in the summer of 1946. They married in 1948 and enjoyed 61 years of marriage. The McLain's owned Commercial Printing Company for 28 years.
After Mac retired and sold the shop, he enjoyed music, traveling with Betty, reading and time at the family lake cabin. He Volunteered for the American Red Cross, the First Presbyterian Church Soup Kitchen and also an early committee for studying the future of bike paths in the city. Charles and Betty were married in the Presbyterian Church where they were lifelong members. They belonged to a bridge club of close friends for more than 50 years.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings and in April of this year, his wife Betty.
He is survived by his four children, Susan and husband Jim Curtiss of Eugene, Ore., Ellen and husband W. Don Brown of Coeur d'Alene, Sarah and husband (Tom Husby) McLain of Coeur d'Alene, and Patrick and wife Karen McLain of Ashland, Ore. In addition, Charles leaves his four grandchildren, Ryan, Sarah, Marissa and Mike.
Mac's family would like to extend our sincere thanks to Coeur d'Alene Homes and their wonderful staff. They provided professional and loving care to both Charles and Betty and the McLain family.
Please join the McLain family in the Celebration of Mac's long and happy life at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010, at the First Presbyterian Church at 521 E. Lakeside, Coeur d'Alene.
If desired, memorial may be made, in memory of Charles and Betty McLain, to the North Idaho College Foundation, Coeur d'Alene Public Library, Kootenai Medical Center or Hospice of North Idaho.
English Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign Mac's guest registry and view his online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.