Neil McCormack, 80
Martin Neil McCormack, known as Neil to his family and friends, passed away quietly on Monday, Nov. 21, 2016, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was born March 22, 1936, in San Diego, Calif., to Lena Lois Freiske and was raised in Southern California.
He was educated at Brown Military Academy, San Diego and served in the Air National Guard at California’s Norton Air Force Base until he was honorably discharged in June 1964. He started as a lineman at GTE in Southern California, moving to Coeur d’Alene in 1970. After 34 years, he retired from GTE as a construction supervisor. He then worked as a delivery driver for Muzzy Oil for 10 years.
An avid golfer, he landed his dream job as assistant to the Caddie Master at The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course. He soon began driving the putter boat to the floating green and continued to do so until the end of July 2016.
Neil enjoyed antique cars, watching movies (John “Duke” Wayne was his favorite actor), and participated in sports activities, especially skiing, tennis, racquetball and golf. He particularly liked socializing with friends and family, being the life of the party wherever he went (“yum, yum, yum”).
Neil had six children from three marriages. His first marriage of 10 years was to Virginia Kellam. They had two children, Michael McCormack and Julie Beers. His second marriage lasted five years and was to Linda Ledesma. Neil adopted Ray McCormack from Linda’s first marriage. The birth of Cheri McCormack-Fresh and Jill Frye followed. Neil’s third marriage was to Sybil Odenthal resulting in the birth of Casey Duke McCormack. This marriage lasted nearly 20 years. His children were the focus of his life and he loved spending quality time with them.
He is survived by five of his six children as Ray has preceded him in passing. There are six surviving grandchildren: Trace McCormack, Katelynn McCormack, Jackson Frye, Anna Frye, Paige McCormack and Abigail McCormack.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be given to the Wounded Warrior Project, which Neil supported for many years.
At his request, there will be a celebration of his life from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, at Nosworthy’s Hall of Fame. All friends and family are welcome to attend. Please visit Neil’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com to sign his guest book and share any fond memories you may have.