Glenn Philip MacNary

Chula Vista, CA - Glenn Phillip Mac Nary, age 75, died in his sleep early Sunday morning, June 3 at the California Veterans Home in Chula Vista after a long battle with C.O.P.D.

Glenn will be remembered as a hard worker willing to serve and lend a helping hand. Sometimes Glenn would even proceed on projects up and beyond the call of duty.

Glenn is survived by his sister, Natalie Hay and her husband, Chuck Hay of Olympia, Washington and two great nephews, Brandon Foster and Zachary Foster of Elma, Washington. He is predeceased by his parents, partner, step mother and niece.

Glenn was born on December 17, 1942 in Cornwall, New York, the son of G. Phillip Mac Nary and Peg MacNary. Growing up in the New York country side he enjoyed long bike rides, visiting neighbors and family. Peg, Glenn’s mom, faithfully took her children to church. They attended Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, which is on the register of historic sites. She was a Sunday-School teacher and her kids earned Bibles for perfect attendance. The family spent summers camping at North Lake, along with his dad, mom and sister, granddad, aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends who often joined the family camp outs. Glenn truly had a great love for family.

When he was 14-years-old, in 1957, the family moved to San Diego. The dream was to help run Glenn’s maternal grandmother’s small local grocery store, Granny’s store, in North Park. This move was the beginning of Glenn’s love for San Diego, the city life, exposure to many new friends and new adventures. He graduated from Herbert Hoover High School in 1960, then on to San Diego Community College, and then off to Germany with the US Army.

Glenn was a veteran of the United States Army during the Cold War, where he earned the Army grade of SP5, E5, T as a Traffic Analyst for the USA Security Agency. He also earned the Sharp Shooter M-14 designation while stationed in West Germany. The Army experience added greatly to his sparkle as a man seeking adventure. When his Army tour of duty came to an end Glenn earned his BS in Business Management at San Diego State College. Also, he expanded his knowledge and capabilities in crucial skill areas and earned an American Management Association (AMA) Certificate. This is an acknowledged standard of achievement and excellence in the world of business similar to a MBA. This was at their campus in upstate New York. Once in the business community Glenn held a variety of jobs.

Glenn joined Shirley Jean Bernard in renovating the Grand Pacific Hotel in downtown San Diego. Their association evolved into a working relationship with other community leaders in the restoration and the reestablishment of the “Gaslamp Quarter.” Together, Shirley and Glenn also worked tirelessly in renovating other historic San Diego buildings. They were a part of a group of preservationists determined to save the San Diego Rowing Clubhouse. This building currently houses Joe’s Crab Shack on the San Diego waterfront. Soon Glenn had his California Real Estate Brokers License. These undertakings helped finance trips to Mexico, Australia, Hawaii and frequent stays in Las Vegas.

Shirley became the love of Glenn’s life. On the occasion of Lynne Warwick and “Butch” Foster’s honeymoon, Lynne being Glenn’s dearly loved niece, Shirley and Glenn gifted the newly married couple with flights to an additional Hawaiian island. Lynne’s family meant a great deal to Glenn as he never had any children of his
own. Lynne continues to be sorely missed since her early demise as the result of an auto accident in 1994. In Glenn’s later years he became known as “Uncle Glenn.”

After Shirley passed on, Glenn led a sometimes surprising and exciting life. Traveling across the U.S. to the
East Coast and back visiting cousins, aunts and uncles and also trips to Washington State visiting his family in the “Great Northwest.” The last years of Glenn’s life began showing signs of aging with the onset of C.O.P.D. This took its toll. His ability to continue traveling adventures was greatly curtailed. As this dread condition progressed having conversations with Glenn gradually became very difficult. Glenn actually physically did not have enough breath for more than a short one or two word response. However, talking with Natalie and the CV VA Home Chaplin, both are confident Glenn indicated he accepted Jesus as his Savior. The Lord knows Glenn’s heart.

Glenn would certainly tell you he was well taken care of by the Veteran’s Hospital in La Jolla, CA. Also, that
he received excellent care while making his home at the Chula Vista Veteran’s Home. The nurses, his social worker, and other caretakers shared they enjoyed their relationship with Glenn as a patient under their care;
a very pleasant man which to visit.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in memoriam to organizations dear to your heart.
Or to: SDSU/The Campanile Foundation, in memory of Glenn MacNarry, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, Ca 92182-1968.

Please join the family at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel DR., San Diego, CA 92122, on Thursday, July 5, 2018 at 11:30 am.
Funeral arrangements provided by Featheringill Mortuary, 6322 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115. (619) 583-9511.