Obituary of Michael Guy McIntyre

     Michael Guy McIntyre took his last breath on Earth surrounded by family on July 13, 2023 in Eugene.  It was a day filled with hymns, prayer, scripture reading, listening to his Pandora channel, and lots of sharing of memories. What a joyous welcome he must have received as he entered Heaven.

     Mike was born on January 28, 1940, to Rev. A. C. (Bert) and Mary (Greene) McIntyre in a house on Friendly Street in Eugene. He was the fifth of seven children.  Mike attended Elmira High School where he excelled at track and held the high jump record at the school for many years.  While at Elmira High School, Mike met Sandy Garboden.  They both graduated in 1958 and were married February 11, 1961. They welcomed a daughter, Betty, in 1964, and a son, Steve, in 1970.

     In the early years of their marriage, Mike worked for International Paper. In 1965, Mike was hired as a Meter Reader at EWEB where he worked for over 31 years.  Mike retired from EWEB as a Relay Technician in 1996 and enjoyed many happy retirement years. He considered his coworkers as friends and kept in touch with them even after retirement.

     Mike loved to visit his children in New York and California as often as possible, always spending time on fun adventures with the grandchildren. They fondly remember trips to the “Lodge” and the, “Swan Lake Hilton,” fishing, hikes, fun puzzles, bike rides, camping in the backyard, helping in the garden, making aebleskivers, and many “true” stories.

     Mike was actively involved in his church and had a heart for missions. He supported missions financially and went on missions trips to help build churches in both Jamaica and Nicaragua. He also sang in a Gospel Quartet and traveled to minister in churches. In later years, Mike was the worship leader at his church.

     Mike and Sandy were known for their large vegetable gardens. He loved to work in the garden and even entered some produce and a scarecrow in the County Fair. He kept his yard and lawn looking beautiful and put in his own underground sprinkler system.
     Mike was an avid outdoorsman and hunter and loved to spend time at the “Swan Lake Hilton,” a hunting cabin near Sprague River. He also loved to hike and even climbed the South Sister. In later years, Mike was quite a competitive bowler. He once traveled to Reno for a tournament.

     Mike is survived by Sandy, his wife of 62 years; his daughter, Betty (Tom) Crosswhite; his son, Rev. Steve (Becki); five grandchildren: Steven II, Michael, Kassondra (Matt), Aaronya, and Angelina; and three great-grandchildren (whom he affectionately referred to as “The Little People”): Trinity, Calvin, and Daxton.  Mike is also survived by three brothers: David (Elva), Dan (Evelyn), and Jim (Kathy).  Mike was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Mary and Sarah, and brother, Nathan.

     A private graveside service was held on July 21, 2023, and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 11:00 am, at Bethany Church of Franklin, 92078 Territorial Highway, Junction City, OR 97448.

     Donations in his memory may be made to Mike’s home church, Bethany Church of Franklin.  Mike attended Bethany Church as a teenager when his Father was the pastor and returned to Bethany church in the early 2000s where his son is currently the pastor.