Howard Ray "Mac" McElrath
September 4,1936 - May 18, 2018

Howard Ray "Mac" McElrath, 81, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2018, in Lincolnton, N.C., at the Robert Johnson Hospice Center.

He was born in Buncombe County, Asheville, N.C., on Sept. 4, 1936, to the late William Earl and Nettie Compton McElrath. He had five siblings: Edward Lee McElrath, Ann McElrath Casey, Barbara McElrath Warren and William Earl McElrath Jr., who predeceased him, and Judith McElrath Hobson.

Mac is survived by his wife, Ruth Marie "Betty" McElrath. His surviving children include: Carol Lee Mindlin of Fort Worth, Texas; Vicki Marie King of Charleston, S.C.; Cyndy Van Pelt of Anacortes, Wash.; and Betsy Scott of Anchorage, Alaska. His surviving grandchildren include: Tara Havard of Anacortes, Wash., Billy Coulliette of Cooper Landing, Alaska, Carl Coulliette of Cooper Landing, John Scott of Los Angeles, Calif., Daniel Cook of Hopkinsville, Ky., Elizabeth Scott of Anchorage and Catherine Scott of Anchorage. His surviving great-grandchildren include: Riley Cook of Hopkinsville, Ky., Noah Cook of Hopkinsville, Ky., Maddie Scott of Los Angeles, Calif., McKenzie Scott of Los Angeles and Alan Johnson "AJ" Coulliette of Cooper Landing.

Mac loved his family and friends with all his heart. He was loyal as a lion, generous and witty. He was always there for anyone who needed him and his greatest joy was helping the Shriner Children's Hospital. He loved his Labradors, Buddy and Kodi, who preceded him in death.

Mac was a proud Mason and Shriner with many "Brothers" in Alaska and far away. He was a Shriner Clown and you always saw him in parades and events in his clown car. He had the honor of becoming the Potentate of Alaska in 1996. He belonged to the Elks Club in Valdez, Alaska.

Mac served proudly for 24 years in the United States Air Force. Both he and Betty retired from Alyeska Pipeline Service Company in Anchorage, Alaska.  (He worked for Alyeska Pipeline from 1978 to 1993).  They both loved working for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and loved the many friends they made during their tenure.

For as much as Mac loved us all, we all loved him so Much More. Yes, we know you love us More More. He always liked having the last word.

Published in Anchorage Daily News on Aug. 19, 2018