Dick McIntyre “MAC” of Helena, MT passed away Sunday, September 21, 2014. He was born in Seattle Washington on July 18, 1943 to Robert and Lydia McIntyre. He had a Christian Baptism at the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Seattle on October 10, 1943. At the time of his birth his father served in the Marine Corps during WWII and they were temporarily stationed in Seattle, where shortly after they moved back to their original hometown of Spokane Washington. Dick was the older brother of Marie Bonnie Elizabeth McIntyre. After their Mother tragically passed away, his second and very much loved Mother was Helen Flemming who married his father in 1952. He became an Eagle Scout in 1957 and graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1961. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1963-1966, and was awarded medals for Rifle Expert and Good Conduct. He graduated from Gonzaga University with a bachelor in Civil Engineering in 1970, and obtained his Professional Engineer License in 1975. He spent his entire career with the Montana Department of Transportation, providing public service from 1970-2001 (31 years). When he retired he was the Manager of the Hydraulics Department.
He lived a private simple frugal life, but he was far from a simple man. Throughout his life he loved the typical things like camping, fishing, canoeing, motor cycle trips, and socializing with buddies. But he tenaciously followed his pursuit of freedom and right to an autonomous lifestyle; free to live his life as he saw fit. And with his life he pursued his desire for learning, where he spent time engaging his mind and enhancing his experiences with the world around him through reading, studying and learning a wide variety of disciplines to expand and improve his mind and body. As a self motivated scholar, he constantly searched for God, order, peace, truth, balance, mindfulness, emotional intelligence and self. To name a few, he studied Karate, Yoga (2 yrs), Thai Chi (25 yrs), Qigong (10 yrs), meditation (12+ yrs), philosophy, and Spanish and Japanese languages. He did a 12 year study and earned 11 degrees through the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC); more commonly known as the Rosicrucian Order where students study the collective wisdom of humanity to find their inner light and wisdom to be used for the greater good of all. He was a Freemason at the Helena Masonic Lodge No. 3, where members are devoted to God and America and they work to safeguard principles of justice, freedom and democracy. In addition to this, he was a associated with and/or a member of the National Eagle Scout Association, American Legion, Montana Retired Public Employee Council and American Society of Civil Engineers. He donated to charities and organizations like the Salvation Army, Jesuits, Gonzaga University, and various church denominations.
You knew it was “MAC” when he used the word “WOW” when expressing great appreciation or prefacing a statement with “Well anyways…” He was detail oriented (admittedly overly so), genuine, generous and had a keen sense of humor. He never wanted to impose or be a burden. When you told him he was smart, he’d deny it and say he was just persistent. He admitted he was just a fear filled paranoid guy. But we all know and agree that he was a fair, just, genuine and an incredible man.
He LOVED golf! Need more be said? Sixteen years he spent perfecting every swing, every stroke. He made it his own religion, which ultimately he devoted most of his time in the last decade.
Although he never married, he was devoted to his “sweet pea” Carol Patterson, where for 35 plus years they dined, danced, hiked, golfed and shared simple pleasures. Carol was the one selfless super-sweet person who accepted him for who he was, and she was the one person he trusted and loved. Carol was loved by not only him, but by his family as well.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and survived by his sister Marie B. E. Peterson (aka Bonnie) and brother-in-law Robert F. Peterson, Klamath Falls, OR; and his two nieces Tanya E. Bird, McCleary, WA and Darci Annette Peterson, Klamath Falls, OR, and his dear old Aunt Adeline Backsen and Aunt Verna Backsen and numerous cousins.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Monday October 6, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial with Military Honors
2:15 p.m.
Monday October 6, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Aaron Vogel says
I only met Dick a few times, but I heard a lot about him. Carol’s son is my brother-in-law, and I admire Dick for his care of Carol. May God bless his soul and forever look upon him. Rest in peace and I know you are golfing your way through the pearly gates!
Christina Patterson says
Dick was my true father-in-law and we teased each other like real only real in-laws could. I miss the man and his “Wow”. Carol was well cared for because of his love. And I know he will continue to watch out for his “sweet pea”. Dick was a giving and caring man. Many restaurants will be missing a jovial patron and the golf course is missing their Golfer Mac. I know we miss him greatly and are thankful for the memories. Charli will carry the golf clubs until we can meet again.
Mike Fiedler and Freddi Haab-Fiedler says
We often saw Dick at scouting events or having supper with Carol. We will miss our chance encounters when we could catch up on what was happening in our worlds. Rest in peace.
kris says
I never meet Dick but I have the privaleadge of knowing
His niece Tanya Bird the awesome chick that wrote this piece…. After reading it I really feel like I know him…. wish I could have meet him!!
Fred Morgan, Cordova Tennessee says
I first came to know Dick a bit over fifty years ago at Bainbridge, Maryland when we both, along with an aggregation of sixty or so other Marines, became “Admiral strikers” at the Navy’s prep school for entrance to the Naval Academy. Dick was the roommate of John McKay down at the end of the second deck (floor) hallway of Madison House, one of three old dormitory buildings that years before was part of an elite boys prep school on the bluffs ‘high above the Susquehana’ River. I clearly remember Dick as a solid quiet pipe-smoking comrade who was contemplative and a solid friend. Then after that year together and as life goes, I did not see Dick again until just 4-5 years ago, when we were privileged to meet again at a NAPS reunion. It was a mutual joy for all of us.
Sandi McGregor says
I had the priviledge of meeting Dick and Carol 35 years ago when they started dating and have remainded friends since. He was a great customer and terrific fun on the course.
Rest in Peace Dick
Elmer and Barb Cole says
So sorry to hear of your loss Carol. Remember how much fun you and Dick always had on the golf course. R.I.P. Dick.
Barb and Elmer
Allen Chambers says
I was only one of many who had the pleasure of working with Dick at the Montana Dept. of Transportation for many years. His smile always made you feel comfortable when requesting information or asking questions. He will always be remember as a team player.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Andrea McEwen says
I got the pleasure to meet Dick three years ago. Over the last year of his life we had a barrel of laughs. His humor was one that was hidden but very good when it seldom surfaced. His love for his Sweet Pea was one we both shared. You were a great friend Dick and I am so lucky to have gotten to know you. God acquired a great angel in your passing and you will be surely missed my friend.
Louie - MDT Friend says
I’ve known Dick for 30+ years. What a ‘GREAT GUY’. Dick always had smile for me. We would see each other in the hallways of MDT & just shoot the breeze for a few minutes. We always walked away smiling. I never got the pleasure of golfing with him but I’m sure he was very competitive. He will surely be missed & loved by family & friends.
Holly Redfern says
“Mac Dickintyre” was my co-worker, friend, and neighbor for many years. He had a heart of gold. His eyes twinkled and his laugh shook his entire body! He was sincere, honest to a fault, and loyal to his friends. There were many all-nighters spent with beers, deep, philisophical conversations, laughter, and breakfast at the break of dawn, before we headed to work again. My prayer for those left behind is that you will be comforted with treasured memories, and the knowledge that he is watching over all of you in his own way.
George Lane says
Dick and I were Masonic Brothers and fellow golf addicts. Every time I would see him at Billy Bob, he always had time to chat and give a kind word. I could never get him to play around of golf with me, he said I was too good. In reality he was too good for me. I hope he is tearing up the back nine up there.
Steve Pillatzke says
Will miss you on the Par 3 at Fox Ridge Golf course where you showed me a few pointers. My sincere condolences.
Steve
LaDonna Schuster says
Many fond memories when Dick was a student at GU and after his graduation. Making beer with friends, laughing and enjoying each others’ company. Rest with our LORD, Dick. Skeezics
Perrie White says
I have known Dick since the 60’s. He was a good kind man liked by all. He knew my children and was always nice to them. He will be missed. You are in my prayers Dick. Thanks for being a good friend. Perrie