Clarence Mceldowney

Clarence H. "Mac" McEldowney, 82, died of cancer on August 15, 2003 at Harrison Memorial Hospital. He was born on June 22, 1921 to Clarence Hurd McEldowney and Frances (Smith) McEldowney in Bellingham, Washington. He attended Whatcom High School in Bellingham. He was married to Laura "Pat" Thompson on August 25, 1943 in Colorado. She preceeded him in death in 1984.Clarence trained as a cabinet maker in the CCC's and then worked at Boeing as a riveter. He then served in the US Army Aircorp from 1942 - 1945 achieving the rank of Staff Sargent. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross award, the Air Medal, Theater Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal during this time. After his service, Clarence bought the Hiawatha Garage in West Seattle. When his Tucker Dealership didn't work out, he moved to Bellingham and worked at various Chevy dealerships as a mechanic. He worked for 19 years at Overall Cleaning Supply, retiring in 1983 as Shop Foreman.He was a member of the Cannon Club, Lakeland Village Men's Club, and the Elks Club. He was a past member of the Glen Acres Golf Club in Seattle and the Ocean Shores Golf Club. Clarence built his own 18 foot cabin cruiser boat in his garage and a custom go cart for racing. He also participated in a Mt. Baker rescue.Clarence is survived by his companion, Lucy McLean of Lakeland Village, a son Paul A. McEldowney and his wife Theresa of Federal Way, Washington, a daughter Gail E. Wiltse and her husband Frank of Bellingham as well as 5 grandchildren, Richard Wade Wiltse, Luanne M. Lowe, Brett A. Wiltse, Krista Marie McEldowney and Eric J. McEldowney and 9 Great-grandchildren.Memorial donations may be made to Fire District 5, P.O. Box 127, Allyn, WA 98524-0127 or the American Cancer Society, Kitsap Unit, PO Box 2383, Bremerton, WA 98310.There will be a gathering at Gail and Dick Wiltse's home in Bellingham, Washington on Saturday August 23, 2003 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM.