Finley L. "Mat" McCallum

HOWARD - Finley L.

Mac" McCallum of Howard bravely completed his life's journey of 69 years on Tuesday, August 26, 2008, following a long illness. He will rest in the Howard Cemetery near several generations of his antecedents. Raised in Howard and a graduate of Avoca Central School, he was the son of Finley and Luella (Crozier) McCallum. With an engineering degree from Clarkson College, Mac began a 41-year career with the NYSDOT office in Hornell, retiring as the Program and Planning Engineer for six counties. His team engineered many successful projets for the region, including the Corning Bypass. Judith Sloan McCallum, Mac's wife of 43 years, came as his bride to Hornell and taught three generations of the area's children. Mac, always humble, insisted his best accomplishment in life was the raising of their two sons. "without recognizing them," he remarked, "my obituary would be colorless and incomplete." Mac was an exemplary role model to his boys, both of whom became Eagle Scouts and earned respectively, a black and a brown belt in karate.

Jordan McCallum, now living in Ohio with his wife, Kate, and Mac's first grandson, Grant, spent one year in Rutland County, England, as the Hornell Rotary Club's exchange student. Graduating from RIT in Hotel and Resort Management, he was employed for five years at Disney World. Jordan is currently the Columbus District Manager for an insurance company.

Corbett McCallum now lives as a civilian in Arizona with his wife, Teri, and Mac's first granddaughter, Sofia. Corbett's earlier military career included achieving the rank of Battalion Commander at West Point; earning the Iron Man Trophy as the most physically-fit in Officer Training Camp; and finally, being designated "2005 Best Ranger" in the Olympic-style Ranger Competition at Fort Benning, Georgia. The accomplishments of his sons were shining moments in Mac's life.H

oward Warner, Mac's friend and music teacher, reports that Mac played a mean baritone horn in high school. Music was always a major pleasure to him, as was Mac's hobby of building aircraft models. At social events and while traveling, Mac's Rotary pin attracted comments and incidental friendships. Mac loved being in the Hornell Rotary Club, enjoying the service projects and the fellowship of its members. He was the club's president, 1987-88, and was chosen for the Paul Harris Award. During his own Army enlistment, Mac deployed to Ethiopia and worked with highly classified material for the Army Security Agency during the Vietnam War era.

Judy, his sons, and extended family will grieve, but are so proud of Finley McCallum, this decent man, a quiet hero.

Calling hours are from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Friday, (Sept.5) at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral home, Inc. 285 Main St., Hornell. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 6) at the United Presbyterian Church, 150 Main St., Hornell with the Rev. David Kilgore officiating.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 E. Corning Road, Corning, N.Y. 14830. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

Online condolences or remembrances of Mac are welcome at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome. com