Leo McCaw

TRAVERSE CITY — Leo Max McCaw, 89, of Traverse City, passed away Dec. 24, 2010, at his home.Leo was born Nov. 19, 1921, to Charles and Mary (Hodgins) McCaw. After graduating from Traverse City High School, Leo enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He trained to be a pilot in 1944 and served faithfully during World War II. He flew many planes, including the B-17 (Flying Fortress).After his service, Leo became a "Jack of all Trades" in the construction industry, including "master plasterer." With the assistance of his brother, Anson, he used his skills to build the family home during his free time. Later in life, he was employed at Cone Drive, up until his retirement in 1983.Leo enjoyed many hobbies. He loved music and taught himself how to play the guitar, banjo, and the keyboard, which spawned a lot of musical family get togethers on the weekends. He loved to watch sports on TV, golf, tooling around the yard on his tractor, woodcarving, various puzzles and crossword puzzles, but mostly he loved getting visits from family and friends.Leo leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Frances (Carroll) McCaw; four children, Carol (Robb) Gass, Timothy (Bev) McCaw, William (Judy) McCaw, and Kathryn (Greg) Bush; six grandchildren, Melissa (Tim) McGuire, Lisa (Nikhil) Bagadia, Christine (Chad) DeVille, Jeremy Gass, David (Kristie) McCaw, and Jesse Gass; and seven great-grandchildren, Camden, Liam, Brenna, Connor, Ian, Lauren and Avner.Leo outlived all of his six siblings, Julia (Ted) Cox, Gladys (Parker) Hobbs, Anson (Liz) McCaw, Annabelle (Ed) Kettles, Alberta (Lawrence) Cavitch, and Betty (Neil) Ritola.No services are planned at this time, per Leo's wishes. His family will gather privately to honor and celebrate his life. Cremation has taken place.Leo was a kind man with many talents and an eye for excellence. He believed in doing things the right way. He will be missed very much.Please visit Leo's guestbook online at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with his family.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Leo McCaw

December 24, 2010