1922 - 2008
Edgar "Mac" McSweeney died Nov. 1, 2008, at The Memorial Hospital in Craig after suffering a major stroke a week earlier. He was 86.
Mac was born Jan. 28, 1922, in Rio Blanco near Meeker on the family homestead. His parents were Edgar and Agnes McSweeney. He was a journeyman lineman and worked throughout various western states, where he met his wife, Grace, in Montana. They later moved to Rifle.
Mac worked in the uranium mill and ranched until they purchased a ranch near Toponas in the early 1960s, where they remained until 1988. They then "retired" to Hayden. This began Mac's journey into writing and poetry.
Mac was an avid gardener and always enjoyed the great outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish and was a guide and outfitter throughout his life. He loved working with his hands and could build and fix anything. He fancied himself an inventor, biblical scholar, philosopher and poet. He published several compilation books and has his own books of poetry, "Vice Versa," volumes I, II and III.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Grace; sister, Adah Bossart; and brother, Charles McSweeney, and his wife, Gladys, all of Rifle. His extended family includes two daughters, Judy Stawsky, of Denver; and Drucilla Paullus and her husband, Dave, of Houston, Texas. Together, Grace and Mac had six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Passing before him were his parents and sister, Margaret Grubbs, of Meeker.
Services were held at Mission of Grace Church in Hayden on Nov. 6. He was interred at Hayden Cemetery. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.
