Mac Mansfield

Howard McLeod (Mac) Mansfield Jr, 73, beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather was born on March 21, 1935 in International Falls, MN and returned home on June 7, 2008 in Ilwaco, WA. Dad was always bigger than life. He was known for his sense of humor and his loyalty to his family and friends. He loved to hunt and fish and to be in the mountains (he could spot an elk from miles away). Having had his first heart attack at age 39 and three subsequent open heart surgeries he lived life to its fullest and defied all the odds. He refused to let his health challenges keep him from doing all the things that he loved. Courageous; that is how his children will remember him. A man's man, who could be counted on to lead, protect, nurture, and make something out of nothing. Mac spent several years in the Navy and loved to scuba dive as a young man. A millwright by trade, he spent his retirement years traveling with Betty, his soul mate of 52 years. They lived in Mesa, AZ in the winter to avoid the rain. In the summer they made the trek in a Greyhound bus he converted, traveling to Idaho and then onto Washington to visit their children along the way. The past three years they have spent their summers close to the water he loved, working for Beacon Charters, scheduling fishing trips and hobnobbing with the guests and locals. Much to the embarrassment of his family at times, he never met a stranger. Grandpa made his individual grandchildren feel like they were his personal favorite; a trait he developed from his mother. When he spent time with them, he gave his full attention. Always one for teasing, Grandpa Mac kept us on our toes with his wit and sense of humor. Though he wasn't 'huggy/kissy' (whisker rubs were more his style) he was a very "hands-on" grandpa, always available with a listening ear., never judging but loving you enough to tell you when you were on the wrong path. Mac wasn't afraid to speak his mind and tell you things he disapproved of but loved you and accepted you unconditionally. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Betty Jo (Covington) Mansfield, daughters Charlene Victorson (Norm) of Newport WA, Denise Smith (David) of Longview, WA, Lora Naylor ( Thomas) of Clifton, ID, Theresa Adams (David) of Knoxville, TN, and Howard McLeod Mansfield III of Phoenix, AZ, and one, much loved, other daughter (his niece) Chris Mulligan, his two sisters, Betty Sycks, Sue McMahan and one brother John Mansfield, 20 grandchildren and 12 1/2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Howard, Sr. and Dorothy (Chandler) Mansfield and his brother Clark Mansfield. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 13, 2008, 11:00 a.m. at the LDS Chapel 1721 30th Ave, Longview, WA. The family requests that in lieu of flowers please donate to the Heart Association or Harbors Home Heath & Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to Penttila's Chapel by The Sea, Long Beach. View and sign the online guestbook at www.penttilaschapel.com