Tribute

Mac was born on March 19, 1937 in Mission, B.C. He grew up as the youngest of 5 siblings and enjoyed playing sports (especially Basketball) while attending school in Mission. After High School graduation Mac went into retail sales when he started working at Safeway in Mission.

Mac met Ann Bartleman, fell in love and they were married in September 1962. Their first son (Brian) was born in March 1964. Mac and Ann then moved to Abbotsford where Mac began a career as the manager of Fields stores in Abbotsford and later Maple Ridge. Mac and Ann’s second son (Robert) was born in May 1965.

Mac was an avid golfer and was a longtime member at Mission Golf & Country Club and later Ledgeview Golf & Country Club. For many years he played drums in a local band called the “Hilltoppers”. The band would play at dance halls throughout the lower mainland on Saturday evenings. Mac later made a career change and went to work for Blackwood Building Centre in Abbotsford. He was a longtime employee at Blackwood and worked there into his early 70’s.

Mac and Ann enjoyed travelling and went to Palm Springs with friends each year for many years. They also enjoyed several cruises, travelled to Mexico with family and went to South Africa to go on Safari. One of Mac’s favorite pastimes was walking around Mill Lake. He had a daily routine of walking around the lake. He would meet friends along the way and enjoyed getting out in the fresh air.

Ann passed away in 2017 and Mac continued to live on his own at their townhouse in Abbotsford. Unfortunately, Mac’s eyesight started to fail and he was forced to give up his daily walks around the lake. He was very fortunate to have a group of close friends he would get together with twice a week.  They would meet for coffee and then make a stop for lunch and a bit of gambling at the casino. He enjoyed these days out with his friends immensely. Mac was determined to live an independent life and was fortunate to do so right up to the very end.

Mac was optimistic and had a great sense of humor with a booming laugh. His joking continued until his final moments as noted by the nurses in the hospital. Mac passed away peacefully at Abbotsford Regional Hospital on January 3, 2026.

Mac is survived by his two sons Brian (Patti) and Rob (Monica), his three grandchildren Braydon (Chelsea), Kayla and Blake as well as his great grandson Forbes Jr.

Reception to be held as a Celebration of Life
Morningside Park Clubhouse – 32615 Murray Avenue, Abbotsford

January 24, 2026 (1:00 to 4:00 PM)
Street parking available on Murray Avenue