Theodore "Ted" Mactavish

Theodore (Ted) MacTavish, aged 92 years and a 50-year Traverse City area resident passed away on March 30, 2015. He was born in Lowell, MI on June 7, 1922 and graduated from Lowell High School in 1942. During World War II, Ted served in the 8th Air Force, and was stationed in Rattlesden, East Anglia, UK as a ground crew member servicing B-17 bombers until April 1945. After returning from military service, Ted married Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Gingrich and together they raised a family of three children. Before settling in 1965 on their Leelanau County farm, they lived in Lowell, MI, Colorado Springs, CO, Traverse City, MI, St. Louis, MI and Phoenix, AZ. Ted held many jobs during his life including cabinetmaker, tailor, butcher, grocery store owner, farmer, and salesman. Beginning in the late 1960's Ted became active in the Leelanau 4H club and contributed his time to starting a strong livestock program that focused on goats, lambs, and horses. For his work in that program, a popular Traverse City radio station recognized him as a "WCCW Good Guy." In 1989, Ted and Betty sold their farm and divided their time between their summer retirement home in Greilickville and their winter home in Zephyrhills, FL. Ted is survived by his wife of 68 years, his three children, Linda McGlothlin (Marvin), Robert MacTavish (Phyllis) and Thomas MacTavish (Krista), seven grand-children and eleven great-grand children.
In accordance with Ted's wishes cremation has taken place. Private family services will be held at a later date. Burial of Ted's cremated remains will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Lowell, MI.
Donations honoring Ted's life may be made to Traverse Bay United Methodist Church, 1200 Ramsdell Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Theodore's family at his Life Tribute Page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.