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Maurice McAlister Obituary

McAlister, Maurice L.
April 26, 1925 - February 13, 2013
"It is a wise man who learns to earn, give and save money." - passbook slogan at Downey Savings and Loan. Bullhead City, Arizona, resident Maurice L. McAlister (Mac), a real estate developer and banker who co-founded Downey Savings and Loan, died in Corona del Mar on February 13 of natural causes. He was 87. Respected for both his business acumen and charitable giving, Mr. McAlister was an employer who created a family-style work environment and whose employees stayed with the bank for years. He took pride in providing loans to thousands of people, especially those in underserved communities. He supported numerous churches and organizations, providing food and medical care directly to those in need. Mr. McAlister often stood anonymously in food lines, talking with people about their struggles. Conservatively managed from its inception, Downey Savings grew from a single branch in Downey, California, to more than 170 branches throughout California and Arizona until being taken over by federal regulators. Mr. McAlister was still a teenager when he got his real estate license. Soon after, he bought a lot in South Gate, built a house and sold it. The home-building enterprise would eventually become McAlister Construction, then McAlister Homes. After building a relationship with a local lender and complaining to him about the high interest rates he was being charged, on a whim Mr. McAlister remarked to his lender friend that he might start his own bank. To Mr. McAlister's surprise, the lender said it would be the best thing he could ever do. Downey Savings opened its doors - in the city of Downey - in 1957. Born on April 26, 1925, in Booger Hollow, Arkansas, young Mac grew up poor in Texas. At age six he picked cotton alongside his mother. At 13 he worked as a butcher. After the family moved to South Gate, he and his father went to work for his uncle's termite company. He graduated from South Gate High School and was drafted into the US Army, serving in the Philippines during World War II. In 1954 he married Dianne Krieger, a girl from his South Gate neighborhood. The couple moved to the city of Downey, where they lived for 40 years and reared their three daughters. In January, they celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Mr. McAlister was a busy man, but family and fun were a priority. Vacations at Lake Mohave - and later at Table Rock Lake near Branson, Missouri - were spent fishing, hunting and water-skiing. He went antiquing with his wife, collecting nickelodeons and small mechanical banks that were displayed at Downey Savings' branches. After retiring to Arizona, the couple enjoyed traveling in their motorhome with family and close friends. They also went on cruises, and Mr. McAlister continued the fishing trips to Mexico that he loved over the years. A fine home cook, among his specialties were fried chicken, apple pie and peach cobbler. Multifaceted and talented, he played the piano, organ and guitar, sometimes serenading employees over lunch in the cafeteria and at annual awards banquets. Humble and modest despite his achievements, Mr. McAlister was grounded in his Christian faith. Gospel music was the soundtrack to his family's life. In an unpublished memoir Mr. McAlister wrote these final remarks: "In addition to work, there are other items of more importance: how we live our lives; our relationship with God, friends, family and neighbors . . . giving of our time and money helping others . . . hopefully done to please God our Creator." He was predeceased by his daughter, Karla Drew. Mr. McAlister is survived by his wife, Dianne McAlister; daughters, Cheryl Olson and Laura Daniels and Laura's husband, Dwight; sons-in-law, Dustin Drew and Dan Rosenthal; brother, Ronald "Tex" McAlister and his wife, Charlene; sister-in-law, Billie Parks; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial contributions may be made to www.casthope.org; or to www.hoagcancercenter.org, in memory of Karla Drew.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Feb. 24, 2013.
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Miss you everyday best grandpa in the whole world

Jeni Rosenthal

February 20, 2020

Yes, I still miss Mac very much. His ears must be ringing up in Heaven, as I speak lovingly about him so often to family and friends...he was such a positive force in my life and mentor. Warm fuzzies to Dianne, Cheryl, Laurie and all the family. Hugs, Jo Kraskin

February 19, 2020

I still miss him. What a great man! He was such an inspiration to me and a good friend.

Linda Rice

Friend

February 18, 2020

My mom is DAWN ETHEL.. GOD KNOWS WE love

Rachael Richardson

December 19, 2018

I worked for Mac back in the 80's. I was a single mother of three. Because I needed retirement benefits and wanted my time away from my kids to make a bigger difference to the community, I applied for, and was offered a job with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. When I sat down with Mac and explain that I was accepting their job offer he just grinned. Here I was this small, petite woman, almost 30, rocking pencil skirts and stilettos and Mac just couldn't see me making it through the
Sheriff's academy. Frankly, neither could I but I had to try. He asked me if I could do my job for him from my home as a consultant while going through the Academy. I jumped on that because he said he'd pay me a consultant wage. He said he was not going to hire anyone else, I would work from home and that's what I did. Well, I made it. I became a Deputy Sheriff. Mac came to my graduation and posted my job at Downey Savings the next day. I later recommitted my life to the Lord and have walked with him ever since. Mac, and his wife's kindness and support was truly and example of Christian love. I'm excited to know that I will see him again in heaven. I am now 63 and have never forgotten, nor will I ever. He forever changed my life.
With love,
Sheree Cabrera Lane

October 17, 2018

I worked at Downey Savings for 15 years and could honestly say it was like home. Mac was very good to us and to this day I still say "we" instead of "they" when talking about Downey Savings. Good man who cared for people. Jim Kendall, Downey Savings Administrative Services.

September 11, 2015

Dianne, Im so sorry to hear about the passing of Maurice. Although I didn't know Maurice, very well I always respected him & knew he made you very happy. Love Bob Johnson Class of 1953.

Robert Johnson

August 27, 2014

Thank you Addison! I remember those elk stories on the reservation my dad and Mac use to tell me about them. I'm sorry you just found out but I'm glad you have lasting memories of him. Blessings!

Jeni Rosenthal

January 15, 2014

I was blessed to be able to spend some time with Mac when he hunted elk on the Hualapai Reservation. He always had great stories that resonated with me and have since served as great advice. I'm sorry to have just now heard of his passing...I wish I'd sought him out for one more cup of coffee.

Addison Mohler

January 14, 2014

Addison Mohler

January 14, 2014

Addison Mohler

January 14, 2014

Addison Mohler

January 14, 2014

Addison Mohler

January 14, 2014

They do not make men like Mr Mcalister anymore... I was his mailman years ago in Bullhead City... A self made man. He has all my respect!!!!

Jason A

August 26, 2013

Happy Birthday Mr. McAlister, I wish I could have been at Saddleback Church today to celebrate your life. The celebration will probably go on for hours there are so many people you touched and have wonderful stories about you. Dianne and family I hope it brought joy during your sadness to know how much we all loved Mr. McAlister and you. He will truly be missed but his legacy will live on through his family and all of us who had the priviledge and honor to know him and you. God Bless

Valerie Lay

April 26, 2013

An amazing individual.. A man among men.
Generous with all he had.
I had wanted to meet him and he wanted to meet me. So we met about listing his Downey
Home. was i in for a surprise.
I hadnt met anyone quite like him and may not again. he shared his God given wisdom
About many things. I thank God for leading me to this man to whom the Nevarez family will always be grateful and will never forget. My brother and i were fortunate to see him and say our goodbyes for now.
God Bless You All!

Raul Nevarez

April 23, 2013

What can I say? I loved that man. He was a father that I never had. For 31 years I loved going to work each day at Downey Savings. I will always remember when Mac would come to my office and we talked. His first question was "What are you working on?". Mac had a great love and interest in computers. He gave us the tools to turn Downey into the finest Savings and Loan in the industry. I will always remember when he came and said he wanted a state of the art Loan Origination system. I think we gave it to him. He was very proud of the system. My prayes will include the McAlister family and for the man who gave so much to the employees and friends. I hope to see you someday Mac. My friend always.

Chuck Tarrant

March 25, 2013

Wanted everyone to know who would like to attend that Mac's memorial is going to be held on what would have been his 88th birthday. Friday April 26th at 2pm at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest. My grandma has MDS and is very susceptible to things so please if you are under the weather or anything you can give your condolences in the guest book there, here, or with her family, she will see them. Thank you we appreciate your understanding.

Jeni Rosenthal

March 25, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with the family. A donation was made to hoag hospital cancer center

Rodney Ferguson

March 15, 2013

What a pleasure some years ago, to meet the Father of two of my dearest friends. We always kept track of Mac & Nanny's adventures. Our fondness grew for the entire family. The last two years have been tough for them but they always kept their remarkable sense of humor. We shared their grief at the loss of an awesome daughter. Now we share their loss at Mac's passing. Our deepest sympathy to the ohana; we love you all. Rich, Pat, & Kealani Rathburn

Patricia Rathburn

March 8, 2013

March 8, 2013

March 8, 2013

Words can't express the gratitude I feel toward Mac for giving me a chance to contribute at Downey, nor the sorrow I've felt since our efforts fell short. That sorrow is compounded now with Mr. McAlister's passing.

Mac never wanted to settle for 'no,' never wanted to leave a situation without finding a way to make it better. His straightforward nature and relentlessly positive attitude made him the type of person anyone would be proud to be associated with.

We all owe you a debt of gratitude for the contributions you've made, Mac. You'll be missed.

Dave Rice

March 7, 2013

They say that greatness starts at the top and this was true of Downey Savings and MAC. My 10 years at DSL were the most rewarding and enriching years of my life. I am truly appreciative of the opportunity that I had working for such a sound institution. This is a testament to the foundation that MAC established and it definitely reflected in the many great people that worked there. Mac and his great stories of hardship coming from Arkansas to California to establish that great bank are an inspiration to the common man to strive and work hard for greatness. You will be missed. I know that going into God's presence is a much deserved reward for the many whose lives you help to enrich on this earth. God Bless you to you and your family!

Daniel Reyes

March 7, 2013

March 6, 2013

I've been at a total loss for words since hearing of Mac's passing, as I always believed his endless energy and strength of character would cause him to live to 110 and beyond. I've not only lost a good friend, but a mentor and man of immeasurable honesty and goodness. I will miss our phone calls lamenting the state of the economy, speculating on the ups and downs of real estate and what garden seeds I should plant this year. Mac was not only generous of his time, but sharing of his wisdom. Whenever I told him about a problem, his response was always, “Well now, let me see…” His creativity partnered with good common sense made him a standout among all men. His parting leaves a giant hole in my heart that will never be filled by anyone else and I will miss him terribly. I offer my hope and prayers for nothing but happy memories to his wonderful wife, Dianne, and his gracious family.

Linda Rice

March 5, 2013

Mr. McAlister was one of a kind. He helped thousands and thousands of people without them knowing. No matter the situation he always had a positive attitude, words of encouagement, along with much wisdom. There are not enough words to express the impact he made on my life. My prayers are for Dianne and his family I know he will be greatly missed. My heart broke when I learned he had gone to be with The Lord but I can truly say for all he did and the lives he touched his crown of glory might be too heavy for him to wear. Thank you Mr. McAlister and Dianne for everything including how much you cared about others, you are both one of a kind. Valerie Lay

Valerie Lay

March 5, 2013

Downey Savings was like home and Mr McAlister was always so friendly. He actually dressed up one Halloween and made the rounds of the departments. Too funny. I grew up in Downey and remember when Downey Savings opened. When I was hired in 1982, my childhood dentist Dr Strang was still on the Board of Directors. So many connections. Downey Savings Corporate HQ was a fun place to work, I was there for 18 years until retired. Mr McAlister made it fun.

Donna Specht

March 4, 2013

Dianne and girls, Huey and I are so very sorry for your loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Goodness, we loved Mac! Huey always looked forward to the Log Slide Bluff visits you guys made over the years and the good visits the two of them had (his favorite the two of them eating biscuits and homemade jelly on our back deck and Mac saying he wanted your new home to have our same height as ours--cherrypicker later that he actually went up in, it was built just like he wanted). Because of all of Huey's medical problems, we have moved to Holiday Island, but please let us know when you visit Lampe. We would like very much to see you and again, Dianne, please accept our deepest sympathy. There will never be another Mac...born right down the road from Mom's Atkins! We lost Mom the end of Nov. at age 99, but she loved seeing you guys, also.

Huey and Jana Farris

March 4, 2013

Mr.Mcalister was a customer of ours for years,what a wonderful man,he always had some good advise for me when he brought his hot rod Caprice in for work,and i always took it to heart,my thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of this winderful humble man,Rest In Paece Mac,the world was a better place with you in it

Gregg Raih

March 4, 2013

Today I received notice of Maurice McAlister's death. Our late father successfully bid on the lawn sprinkler contract for the Downey Savings head office in 1957. The two of them hit it off well, two hard-working guys from Arkansas (and South Gate). Our small family business went on to install the sprinklers at many of the offices. I'm sure other large companies could have done the sprinklers cheaper, but Mac chose custom quality over cheap generic work, perhaps with a little charity involved. Everyone of us twelve kids in the family learned the value of hard work while digging ditches and putting in sprinklers at Downey Savings offices.
A typical Mac story that I can remember is that they could never get his Mercedes car brakes adjusted correctly, so he talked his way into a class for Mercedes mechanics and learned to adjust the brakes himself. For years he kept his first construction dump truck, the way the rest of us would keep our first dollar. All these years we've had a soft spot in our hearts for Mac. He was a good four-square example for so many! We're very sorry for your loss.

Harry Ladd

March 3, 2013

I worked at Downey Savings (Downey)in the 80's and really loved my time there. I remember having bread, peanut butter and jelly in the employee lounge! A very good place to work!

Ellen Fryer

March 3, 2013

I'm truly sorry to hear this. I started my career with Downey Savings in 1975. I was working for Betty Brehm. She told me that she spoke to Mac and that I should go to work in underwriting. That started my career. I will never forget them for that. I'll never forget how Mr. McAlister and Mr. McQuarrie would sing together. Those early days at Downey Savings were the best years I had while in banking. They were good old fashioned bankers yet Downey Savings implemented one of the first loan origination systems in the state enabling us to fund thousands of loans at the time. Mr. McAlister was so proud of it. He'd walk people to my desk every day so I could show them how we underwrote the loans on that system. My condolences and prayers go out to the family

Rosemary Hernandez

March 3, 2013

One of the greatest from South Gate High. It`s where it all started .You will be missed.

Jack Bunnett S/43

March 3, 2013

Cheryl Olson

February 28, 2013

We are very thankful to have all the memories of our travels together. We will miss sharing time and all his great stories. R.I.P.
Love, Pat & Darrel Headley

February 27, 2013

Mr. McAlister was definitely one of a kind. I loved my 22 years at Downey but especially the fun and funny times I spent around him. I always found it interesting when he would ask my opinion about certain employees he had hired...he expected me to be honest, not politically correct. He was the most "real" person I've ever known. We have lost a great man. RIP Mr. Mac! I'll see you again!

February 27, 2013

Thank you everyone! Reading your comments and stories warms our hearts and makes me even more proud! God bless and thanks for being a part of his life too!

jeni rosenthal

February 25, 2013

Dear McAllister Family, I read the notice of the passing of MAC yesterday, 2/24/13 & felt saddened. I worked at Downey Savings & was so blessed with the opportunity to have known such a humble, Godly man. We had some midwestern conversations & he always knew the right answers. Special prayers to all of you. You have such a wonderful legacy of your dad, grandfather, etal.
Love & God Bless, J. Fisher

February 25, 2013

Mac was a forceful, loving presence in my 28 years at Downey. Loved being his assistant in the early 90's before he retired. Yes, thanks to him, Downey was a "family" with high standards, values and morals. He was truly like our Dad. My heart-felt thoughts are with Dianne, Cheryl, Laurie, and all the family. God's blessings for Mac's family and friends. I miss you Mac.

Jo Kraskin

February 25, 2013

Mr. McAlister was larger than life to me. He always had stories to tell and loved to hear your stories. I had wished often, that the Lord would have given him two lives, he had way too many ideas to accomplish in one life span. I hold him and his kindness close to my heart. A very important man who loved his employees and they loved him. It was like a large family working at Downey and that's what you hear from most who had the privilege to work for this great man. I know he has gone onto Glory where his LORD is. Love to his family and I thank you for sharing him with us. May the peace that surpasses all understanding fill your hearts and homes as you go through this time of great loss.

Sandra Usher

February 25, 2013

We had many fun times in the past. Easter at the park in Downey. Chili dinner in BHC. Weddings, etc. you will be missed

John and Sharon Pembrook

February 25, 2013

Dear Mcalister family,I am deeply touched by the passing of Mr.Mcalister.I present my sincere condolences to his wife Dianne,daughters Laurie and Cheryl,his family,friends and all who knew him.Mr.Mcalister was not only a friend but was a role model and mentor both professionally and personally.Mac was simply one of the smartest and best men I have ever met.My thoughts and prayers are with you.Respectfully, Hector Nevarez

February 24, 2013

I had worked at Downey for 10 years and had always been thankful for the opportunities I was given but nothing could prepare me for the day I had been chatting with Mac and he told me to get my car keys as I was going to take him to the board meeting and discuss some of the things he and I had just discussed. Scared beyond belief I managed to get us lost but Mac didn't mind. To make a very long story short, that day changed my life and career path. I will forever be thankful for Mac and my Downey Savings family. To all of Mac's family I am so sorry for you loss, he was truly a great man.

PS. Chris, Lilly will surely be waiting for him to express her gratitude :)

Terri Tombrello-Fordyce

February 24, 2013

As a former Downey employee, I have nothing but fond memories for Mac. My husband and I have been lifting family up in prayers since we heard of his crossing over. Know he is entertaining the heavenly hosts with his stories and songs now.... May our Lord bless and keep you all.

Stephanie Allen

February 24, 2013

So many memories about Mr. McAlister. I know how fortunate I was to get to know him and work with him. I thanked him for providing a great place to work and told him how much my family was able to benefit and he said I should be thanking you. The employees at Downey meant so much to him and he to us. He challenged himself everyday and taught us to do the same. If someone tells me I can't do something my first thought is what would Mac do? We all know the answer, he would do it! He said once that he never puts things off, like if a dish needs to in the dishwasher he does it right then -I have been remembering this and will not put things off to do later, big or small. Thank you to the McAlister family you all are in our hearts and prayers.

Carrie Clark

February 24, 2013

Mr M I will miss u and pray for ur peace

Ml

February 24, 2013

Jeni, I can tell how much you love your grandpa by listening to you talk about him.....especially bragging about his cooking! My prayers are with you, Gigi and your entire family. xoxo

Shana Sosa

February 24, 2013

We love and will miss you Mac, and treasure your generousity along with all the memories of good times shared.

Terry & Kathy Rupple

February 24, 2013

Due to Mr. Mcalister I own a home, many cars, with a great part of my daughter's education paid for by employment at Downey Savings. My time at Downey was probably the best time I ever had working, and a good part of that was due to Mr. Mcalister. God rest his soul and my best wishes for his famly.I remember many a day,riding into work with him on the van when hand held phones just came out. He would always ask me if I wanted to call anyone, but, it was usually at 7:30 in the morning. I miss the city of Downey, (Mac's city) Downey Savings and all who worked there. He will be missed. Best alwsys - Chris Koulias P.S. Lillie Remoaldo will now get to personally thank Mr. Mcalister for all he did for her family.

February 23, 2013

Love you Mac forever in our hearts! No greater grandpa!

Jeni Rosenthal

February 23, 2013

My Thoughts and prayers are with you Dianne,Cheryl and Laurie. I will miss my friend who was a big part of who I am today. If I can assist you in any way, do not hesitate to reach out.

Jennifer Wodarck

February 23, 2013

Our thoughts and memories run deep.

Tom & Shirlee Hageman

February 23, 2013

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