Mack Evan MacLaren

Mack Evan MacLaren, retired U.S. Army helicopter pilot, passed on Friday December 4th. He was eighty-two years old and died at Spectrum Blodgett in Grand Rapids, MI after battling COVID 19 for over a week.

Mack is survived by his wife Huong thi MacLaren; his siblings Bonnie Ellen Barnes, Margaret Lou Kemp, and Brick A MacLaren; his children Teresa Lynn Petree, Hugh Mitch MacLaren, and Ken Andy MacLaren. He is predeceased by his sister Mary Ann Strong; daughters Helen Radine Hayes, Kimberly Sue MacLaren, and son Garth R. MacLaren.

Mack was born in Ithaca, MI on January 30, 1938 to Hugh Lawrence “Larry” MacLaren and Helen MacLaren. He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1956. He entered the military with the U.S. Army, starting off in artillery before heading to Vietnam for his first tour, before graduating aviation school and returning to Vietnam twice more. Mack became a renowned CH-47 pilot, receiving many awards for his bravery, skill, and gallantry. When he retired from the U.S. Army in 1983 he was decorated as the first to reach 5000 accident free hours in a CH 47, with 2812 of those hours being in combat during Vietnam.

Only part of Mack’s story was that of being a soldier and pilot. He was the father of six children; Garth R MacLaren, Helen Radine Hayes, Kimberly Sue MacLaren, Teresa Lynn Petree, Hugh Mitch MacLaren, and Ken Andy MacLaren. He was a grandfather to many; Nathan MacLaren (Garth), Nicholas MacLaren (Garth), Suzzanne Tigg, (Helen), Ryan MacLaren (Kimberly), Aparica MacLaren (Kimberly), Michael Petree (Teresa), Caitlin Renner (Hugh), Ashlyn MacLaren (Hugh), Hunter MacLaren (Hugh), Breanna MacLaren (Ken), Hugh A. MacLaren (Ken), Jasmine LaFreniere (Ken), and Charles MacLaren (Ken). He was also a great grandfather to even more, as family was the most important part of his life.

He was also fully devoted to his faith as a proud and active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as he had achieved the position as a High Priest after serving as a Seventy for many years.

Viewings will be held this Saturday at Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca, MI from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that a donation be made to your local VFW post or The Wounded Warrior Project.

Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Mary E Strouse]

I am deeply sorry for your loss. Mack was one of Phil's "favorite cousins". Mack will be greatly missed. Thoughts, prayers and condolences for the family. He was well loved, appreciated, and respected.

[MICHAEL ALLRED]

I will miss him dearly. sorry for the families loss

[Emmy]

I always loved hearing him share his testimony. Sending love and comfort to the family.

[Annette Kiser Rayburn]

Bonnie, Margaret, Brick, and families, my deepest sympathies to each of you, and your families. The connection never severed, never forgotten. I will keep you in my prayers for strength, courage and peace in this time of grief. May healing come to each of you as you move forward. Love, Annette

[Carl Litwiller]

Sorry for your loss. We had many good times growing up together at school. Will pray for strength for this time of grief. Love Carl and Rosemarie

[Nina Chubb]

I am so sorry for your loss. Mack was a good friends to all. I alway love to hear him teach class at church, i would like to set and listen to him to talk about the bible, and teach me the stuff i did not know. I know that he is out of pain.

[T. Mike Potter]

I'm very sad to hear that Mac has passed. I valued Mac as a true friend and fellow veteran. I had the greatest respect for Mac and always looked up to him as a True Hero, in a world that uses the word "Hero" way to lightly for those who don't deserve the honor.