Born Jan. 25, 1915, Leland “Mac” McCloskey passed away peacefully on July 1, 2012 at the age of 97. A resident of Whidbey Island for nearly 41 years, Mac has been celebrated as a “Hometown Hero” for his enthusiastic participation in the community.

Some of the organizations in which he was active include Good Cheer board member, past president of Saratoga-Baby Island Club, board member Bayview Alternative School, South Whidbey Lions Club, South Whidbey Historical Society, Island County Fair Association, charter member Boy Scout Troop 0057 of Langley, member American Legion Post 141 of Langley. Mac’s generosity, compassion, humor and humility quickly endeared him to everyone he met.

Born and raised in Oakland, Calif., Mac worked for C&H Sugar Co until 1946 when he enlisted in the Army and was sent to Korea. In 1949, after his Korean tour, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Japan. Attaining the rank of Master Sergeant, his military career assignments included Biggs AFB TX, Labrador, Walker AFB NM, Carswell AFB TX, Morocco and Turkey. It was while stationed at Warren AFB in Cheyenne WY that he met and married the love of his life, Liz. Together they were stationed in Okinawa and then Homestead FL, before settling in Langley after Mac’s retirement in 1971.

Preceded in death by his wife Liz, Mac is survived by his sons Jerry (Marilyn) McCloskey and Dennis (Stephanie) McCloskey, grandchildren, Julie McCloskey,Laurie (Peter) Gyluai, Courtney McCloskey, Stephan McCloskey, Julie (Steve)Palmer, and great-grandchildren, Julia, Scott, Tomas, Maya, and AiLi.

A celebration of Mac’s life will be held at American Legion Post 141, 14096 SR 525, Langley, on Saturday, July 14, from 1 to 5 p.m.