Patrick J. McTavish, 71, of Southport, NC, died Jan. 7 at the Lower Cape Fear Hospice in Bolivia, NC.
Mr. McTavish's early career as a writer for a fresh produce industry publication defined his career path. He became sales manager — and later general manager — of Consolidated Orchard Co. in Paw Paw, WV, working there for 16 years. In 1989 he joined Keystone Fruit Marketing in Greencastle, PA, first as a produce broker and then as director of operations and retired in 2013.
Patrick J. McTavish (seated, center) surrounded by family.
Mr. McTavish was born in Pontiac, MI, to J.C. and Margaret McDevitt McTavish on Oct. 18, 1948. He was a graduate of Olathe High School in Olathe, KS, and held a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Kansas. He married Rebecca Massey on April 23, 1971, in Olathe, KS.
Mr. McTavish was preceded in death by his parents and his stepmother, Clara Krudwig McTavish. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca; three children, Heather McTavish Doucet and husband, Shane, Brandon McTavish, and Devon McTavish and wife, Emily; and six grandchildren, Reese, Massey and Sisi Doucet, Jackson, Elle and Molly McTavish, all from Northern Virginia. He also leaves behind brothers Michael McTavish and spouse, Dan; Matthew McTavish; Gregory McTavish and wife, Vicki; nephew Justin McTavish, niece Megan Hutton and husband Travis, and three grandnephews from the greater Kansas City area.
He served in the Army National Guard for six years and was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in Winchester, VA, for many years, and after moving to Southport, joined Sacred Heart Church there.
In retirement Mr. McTavish enjoyed volunteering at the local food bank, golfing and fishing. He treasured spending time with his family, especially participating on the sidelines of his grandchildren's sports activities, and joining them at the beach. As a youth he became an Eagle Scout and a member of Order of the Arrow. He was also a devoted D.C. United Soccer and Kansas City Chiefs football fan.
He is remembered by his family and friends as a person with a kind and loving heart and a wonderful sense of humor that stayed with him throughout his entire life.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 17, at Sacred Heart Church, 130 Keating Drive, Winchester, VA. A luncheon reception will immediately follow at Omps Reception Center, 1600 Amherst Street, Winchester.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, 733 Third Avenue, Suite 510, New York, NY, 10017, or Sacred Heart Academy, 110 Keating Drive, Winchester, VA, 22601.
