Mac B. McGovert

Mac B. McGovert
October 12, 1922 - June 10, 2013
An active, vibrant spirit, and loving member of the Boise community, Mac McGovert, 90 passed away Monday, June 10, 2013.
Born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Mac was raised in San Jose, CA. The youngest of 8, Mac's willingness to work hard from a young age had him picking fruit from the orchards of Santa Clara Valley, while fully applying himself at school and graduating from San Jose High.
With a strong sense of patriotic duty, Mac forwent college and immediately enlisted in the U.S.
Army Air Force. Trained as a Radioman, Mac served our country during WWII, stationed off the California coast until Pearl Harbor, followed by tours in Iceland and England. Upon his discharge, Mac enrolled at Heald's Business School where he received a degree in business and accounting.
On a trip to Puerto Rico to visit family, Mac met Esther Pares. After a 3-yr, long-distance courtship, he returned to Puerto Rico to get married in Esther's hometown of Manati in 1948. Then the two returned to San Jose to start a family and a new work career.
Mac worked at Greyhound Bus Lines in San Jose where he demonstrated his strong work ethic for 35+ years until his retirement in 1983 when they moved to Portland, OR area to be near their son. It was there that Papi Mac came to understand and receive Jesus Christ, as his Lord and Savior at Greater Portland Bible Church. From that time on, Papi Mac was a new man, served both in his community, and afar, on mission trips.
Papi Mac and Esther's next big and final move was to Boise, ID, in 1992 where Papi Mac and Esther have lived for the past 21 years. The Cornerstone, formerly Fellowship Baptist Church, served as his 'home church'. For Papi Mac, each day began by reading his Bible and praying for his wife, children, and extended family.
Beyond his love of the Lord, Papi Mac's affections were clear: his time with family and friends. Personal passions included: a life-long love of deep-sea fishing, trips to Nevada for relaxation and Blackjack, cruises, old western movies and new cars.
From the moment he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma six weeks prior, Papi Mac was surrounded by loved ones 24/7, bathing him in love, affection and appreciation for the man he was and the impact he had on so many of their lives. Well before the end, Papi Mac expressed his love to each person, as they did in turn, providing
him with abundant hugs and kisses, words of affection, and tales of fond memories. God's grace was present every moment: before, during and since.
"Papi Mac" is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Esther McGovert; his children Kathy (Nick) McGovert Giovanni, Richard (Donna) and Bruce McGovert, numerous nieces and nephews, 8 grandchildren and 3 (and a half) great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Celebration of his life will be held June 22nd at The Cornerstone Church at 4pm, with burial, June 24th at 11am at the Idaho State Veteran's Cemetery, in Boise. Mac was very loved and will be greatly missed.