Leonard Macy

MACY, Leonard Carl MACY, Leonard “Len” Carl - Born Apr. 19, 1928, in Fairfield, Iowa.  Peacefully passed away Jan 24, 2014, in Surprise, AZ.  The son of Delbert and Beulah Macy, Len acquired a range of life-long values and skills while growing up on the family farm outside Fairfield.  He was especially known for his outgoing personality, his passion for saving and repurposing things and his ability to solve problems of a mechanical or electrical nature.   Len served in the US Navy from 1948 to 1951.  In 1949 he married Alice Lochmann and moved to the Antelope Valley in 1954 where he and Alice raised their three sons.  While his boys were young, he was a member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church.  Family times were most often spent boating and skiing with the Desert Boat Club.  All three sons wholeheartedly embrace the respect, honor, dignity, and love given to us by both of our parents.   Len had a highly successful, wide-ranging career as an electrical engineer, initially with Northrup, then with Lockheed.  He especially enjoyed his work and adventures with the Lockheed “Skunk Works” which took him to locations around the world.  He volunteered extensively at the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at Palmdale Plant 42.   Len devoted many hours of service through community organizations.  As a member of the Palmdale Masonic Lodge #769, he served as Master in 1974 and was recently recognized for his work when he received the Hiram Award, the Lodge’s highest honor.  Len was also a member of Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. #1625 in Lancaster where he enjoyed time with friends and became active in the Sherri Chefs.   In 1990, Len married Sandra “Sandy” Wilson.  They shared a mutual interest in travel as owners of Rancho Palms Travel in Palmdale.  As members of the Escapees RV Club, they loved being with their friends on the road, participating in many different activities, most notably Dutch oven cook-offs and volunteering for the Chuck Wagon at Happy Trails.  While “home” was usually on  the road, their base camps were a summer home in La Pine, Oregon and a winter place in Surprise, Arizona.   Len’s creative side was always present but best expressed in recent years through his award-winning wood carvings and teaching his skills to others at Cactus Carvers.  His spiritual side was realized through his faith in God and mindful awareness in the Centers for Spiritual Living.   Len is survived by his sons Jerry Macy (Sally) of Brentwood, Larry Macy of San Diego, Mark Macy (Julie) of Newbury Park; his grandchildren Megan Mahon (Scott), Tyler Macy, Kevin Macy; his great grandchild Elizabeth Mahon; his three siblings, Willard Macy, Harold Macy (Barbara), and Lucille Stevenson.   Len’s charm, wit and zeal for an active lifestyle will be missed by all who knew him and those whose lives he touched.  Many thanks and appreciation to his extended family of friends, especially Jerry &Terri Day, and all who provided him with loving comfort and care.   A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, Feb 22nd at Chapel of the Valley Mortuary (1755 E Avenue R, Palmdale).  Reception will follow starting at 11:30 AM at the Elks Lodge in Lancaster (240 E Avenue K).  ALL are welcome to join our family at both the service and the reception.  You may sign the condolence book at www.chapelofthevalleymortuary.com .