William J. Macy (Ret. Lt. US Army) December 24, 1921 - April 30, 2016

Husband, father, grandfather, brother, duck, beta, soldier, leader, lover. Just a few words to describe William (Bill) Macy. Depending on what continent Bill was to be found, so many proudly referred to him as "The General" while many others lovingly referred to him as "Beel."

A fighter who seldom encountered a fight, Bill finally did peacefully surrender to his Creator in the loving arms of his beloved wife, Nancy. He passed at their winter residence in Rancho Mirage, California, on April 30. Conspicuously left out of the above description are other things Bill was that are less simple to describe. Thoughtful, gracious, interested, helpful, considerate, tender, kind, graceful, determined and compassionate. What a winning combination. Oh ... and could he dance!

Given a quarried smile and a keen eye for opportunity and direction, Bill had indescribable effect on so many people. Some would call it inspiration. Some would call it more. None-the-less whatever it was, it existed deep in Bill and he skillfully used these gifts to the benefit and blessing to all with whom he came into contact. Oh ... and was he a quick wit. He made people laugh. He would laugh at his own jokes. He may have thought humor and humility were related.

The oldest of five children born to parents Glen Macy and Gladys Roby in McMinnville Bill came into being on December 24, 1921 followed by brothers Glen and Doug, Sister Marge (Johnson) and finally baby Kay (Sogge) - the surviving family member. Bill's childhood was filled with adventure and GOLF. His very first childhood job was caddying at the McMinnville golf course.

He so enjoyed the game that it was only natural that he would pursue a lifetime of cultivating valuable relationships around the game.

One of his fondest affiliations was the "Trembling 20" - a group of powerful Portland business leaders all of whom Bill had developed close and fulfilling lifetime bonds and experiences with.

As a result of his golf and business associations - and some good timing, Bill himself became a self-made and instrumental member of Portland's explosive growth during the postwar period.

Other numerous golf affiliations, during his life, included Waverly Country Club, Thunderbird Country Club, Western Oregon Golf Society, and the Northwest Seniors Golf Association.

As a board member, one of Bill's most rewarding social accomplishments was successfully promoting the concept that women could become members of Portland's most exclusive male dominated fellowship - the Multnomah Athletic Club (M.A.C.).

Bill developed important friendships at his alma mater, University of Oregon, and as the president of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Both taught him leadership and networking that would serve him well throughout his career and personal life.

Bill was a man of commitment. When Bill gave his word it was 100 percent, 24/7. It's no wonder Bill became what he became. Constantly humming the melodies, he truly did live by the words of two most favorite songs, "Night & Day" and "Around the World in 80 Days." Bill found it ironic how he loathed shopping malls considering that he was the great-grandson of the founder of Macy's Department Store! Honorable mentioned to his last and one of his fondest alliances was the Committee of 25, of which he actively sat on the board and participated consistently to the end.

His level of service and commitment, combined with drive and determination made Bill an international player in urban development. With few exceptions, no major metropolitan city in the country hasn't been touched somehow by Bill's ingenuity and tenacity. Just look up. Many of the skyscrapers that were built out of marble/granite exteriors were completed by Bill's company, Blaesing Granite Company. Now that he's gone, it would be appropriate to disclose a "trade secret" how Bill underbid the competition on all those landmark contracts. While everyone's bid included the costs of wood shims between the giant granite towering slabs, Bill's did not. HE USED GOLF TEES!

More important than golf, friendships and prosperity was he relationship with his Creator. Late in his life he had an opportunity to understand and get closer to this Power by his participation in the Christian Men's Association. His pursuit and closeness to God provided him with an unexpected blessing. He finally found his soulmate and final companion, Nancy Nita.

Bill's spirit awaits to usher the reunion with him of his wife Nancy; son Bill; daughter-in-law Pam; grandchildren Ashley, Creighton and Erica; son-in-law Greg Soueid; great-grandchildren Elizabeth and Mathew. Bill was also preceded in death by his first wife, June; and Guilin, his Pekingese of over 17 years. He will surely be missed by Ping and MieLi, his two four-legged surviving devotees.