C. Mac Eddy
October 13, 1924 - May 21, 2008
Innovator
Eulogy by Dennis Hughes
Carol Eddy Nelson
WRHS Class of 1965Mac passed away at 6:45 this morning, May 21. His heart just stopped, so thankfully it was peaceful. As you well know, we expected it but are never really ready for it. My only consolation is that he lived a good life and he is now with my mother.
The services will be in Lakeside, Arizona at Owens Mortuary on Thursday May 29 at 10:00 AM. He is being cremated and his ashes will be buried with my mother in Liberty Center, Ohio at a later time.
Georgia A. Ashley
WRHS Class of 1966I am reading this while we are on the road to Atlanta, GA, visit to our brother, Wilford Ashley. Parents are very precious. . . . My heart and prayer goes out to the entire family of C. Mac Eddy and to his companion Norma. I am deeply honored to have known Mr. Eddy on a personal basis. We loved him very much as part of our N.T.U.A. family. He contributed much to the progress and growth of what N.T.U.A. is today. Thank you, family for sharing him with us in Navajoland during the years you were with us. May we continue to stay in touch through the precious reunions. I wish I was able to go to the memorial services; however, I am unable to attend.
I wish to send my condolences from the Ashley family to yours.
David Radcliffe
WRHS Class of 1973I am so sorry to hear this. Mac... and his family have been close friends of my father, and the rest of us for such a long time. Please let Mac's family, (and our good friends) know that they have our sincere condolences, and are in our prayers.
Mac was such a nice man, and always had my deep respect. He will be sorely missed by so many of us. Please let Carol and Bob know that I would like to help, if there is anything I can do for them.
Laura McCammon
WRHS Class of 1966Thanks for this information Carol. It's hard to imagine Mac gone. Such a character! I gave your news to my parents and they were wondering, perhaps others on this list are wondering the same: where we might send a donation in Mac's memory, your address and Bobby's if people want to write you personally.
My best to you and Bobby.
Christine Pitts-McDonald
WRHS Class of 65To the Eddy family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. It's never an easy thing to go through. It was peaceful for both of my parents so thank God for that. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chuck McCammon
WRHS Class of 1968To Bob and Carol:
I was very sorry to hear about your Dad, it was like loosing one of my own family as I spent so much time at your house in Jr. High and High School. He was a kind man who wrote really "interesting" newsletters. He will be missed. I will inform my parents as they will miss him also.
Bill Speicher
WRHS Class of 1965Dear Larry, and Carol,
Please accept our humble condolences for the loss of Big Mac Eddy. He was a great person, and will be missed by all who knew him. I remember my father always thought a great deal of him, and enjoyed his company a great deal.
The last time I saw Mac was at one of the Reunions, and I enjoyed visiting with him, and his dry wit, and sense of humor. The world would be a better place if there were more people like Mac.
God Bless, and take care. You are in our prayers.
Evelyn Reed Herzog
WRHS Class of 1967Bob and Carol,
Thinking of you during this very difficult time. Take care of yourselves and know you have many friends from way back that are thinking of you.
God bless to all.
Kathy Nelson-Emerson
WRHS Class of 1969Larry & Carol,
I just tuned in today and heard about Mac. I was happy to have met him also. Very interesting and nice man. I'm sure it is very difficult for Carol. She lived next door to him for so many years. My prayers and sympathies to the entire family.
Eldon McCabe
WRHS Class of 1965Dear Carol and Bob,
Indeed it has not been a good year for many of us, however, we can all gain comfort from knowing the our loved ones are no longer in pain or are suffering. Your Dad was special to me and my Dad for many years, he helped me without judgment or question when I needed help and I will always be thankful and honored by that. Please know that you are and always will be in my prayers and thoughts. Hang on tight and pick out a special star at night and talk to it for your Dad will be there to listen.
Bunkie Whitten
WRHS Class of 1965Dear Carol and Bob,
I remember your parents as being very kind. I always felt you were all a very warm and caring family. My deepest feelings of consolation are sent to you. My belief in Buddhism is helpful to me in accepting that the parting is not at all.
Eileen Kyselka-Scales
WRHS Class of 1965Carol & Bob,
I was so sorry to have heard of your father's passing. It is very sad to lose a parent, but they will always remain in our thoughts and in our hearts. My good thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Marvin Nelson
St. Michaels Class of 1957Carol,
Deepest condolences. Mac was a unique individual and I always looked forward to seeing him on my trips to the White Mountains. Wish I could be there for the services but am on my way to Florida to help with another move - this time Richie and Vickie's husband who are completing the relocation to Nashville. My thoughts are with you, your family and Larry during this difficult time.
Maxine Bergeson-Delano
WRHS Class of 1967Hi Carol,
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. He was a real character and I know dad and mom really enjoyed their get-togethers. Back when you and Larry were married I told him about it, and he said it would sure be fun to see Mac again. But dad doesn’t get around much anymore. He turned 100 last November, and although he’s still sharp and interested in everything, he’s just slowing down. I hope you’re taking care of yourself in these hard times. I’m thinking of you.
Bob Nelson & Marcia
St. Michaels Class of 1959Carol and Larry,
We are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Although we know we will lose our parents someday, it is always hard. Thank goodness for the wonderful memories that live on. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Jerry Skiles, Toni, Kathy and Sue
WRHS Class of 1973The Skiles, family, Jerry, Toni, Kathy, and Sue send their condolences to the Eddy's in the passing of Mac. I always thought of Mac as "larger than life". My mom and dad always thought the world of Mr. and Mrs. Eddy. Mac was one of the first to offer our family help when my dad passed away years ago. I have never forgotten that. My childhood hero's are all being called home. What a reunion that must be!! Our prayers are with the Eddy family.
Don Nelson
WRHS Class of 1961Carol and Larry,
My sympathies on the passing of Mac. I was fortunate to have met him for a brief while at your home in Arizona. I remember him as a terrific conversationalist.
Tom Nelson
WRHS Class of 1968Another of that story telling generation has passed on. Along with your great grand father Lew, and grand fathers Pat and Stan, all grand tellers of tall tales (but ones that were true not imagined ) and pioneers of this country and builders also. He will be missed.
Jim Medlock
WRHS Class of 1966Dear Carol and Larry,
I know you are missing your dad. We should all be so fortunate to pass so peacefully. Seems fitting to me though, he was such a peaceful human being. We all remember him with respect, he was kind and supportive of all of us, taking his personal time and giving us his presence when we needed a good parents presence, he was one of those outstanding parents who taught us accountability and self worth. Will you please file this note away and remember it when your time is not so limited to just send me a short note regarding Mac's military involvement in WWII. I remember talking to him at the breakfast table in Pinetop after our fishing trip, but he abbreviated it like most of those honorable men do.
Take care and God bless
Donna Jean Nelson-Elofson
Carol and Larry,
I wish I could have know Mac, he sounds like a wonderful man. If you put him in the same category as Gramps he must have been well loved. No matter how old we our, losing a parent is so tough. My prayers and love go out to you in this difficult time.
Susie Nelson-Gore
On like some of you I did not know Carols father I wish I had. I am sorry for your loss Carol.
Katelyn, Mac, Jacob, Cody
Navapache Innovator C. Mac Eddy retires
After 13 years of overseeing continuous system growth and innovative programs, C. Mac Eddy retired as General Manager of Navopache Electric Co-operative, Inc., January 2, 1990.
Called the driving force behind C&RE accomplishments of Navopache by long-time Administrative Assistant Lavane Alkire, Eddy counts load management program development and installation of a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system as two of his most successful programs.
Operational since late 1983, Navopache's SCADA system cost $500,000 but paid for itself in three years, saving about $300,000 in its first year of use.
In a "justification and use" paper, Eddy wrote: "With the high technology of the modern-day equipment, the functions of a SCADA system are basically limited only by the imagination and ability of the utility to adapt their system to operational improvements and to system needs."
"I feel that our SCADA system will be the best investment we have ever made, but not until we have realized and put into operation its fun potential," he said.
Eddy is credited with developing Navopache's off-peak metering, credit card metering, remote meter reading, and weatherization programs. He has also inspired ongoing efforts to develop a proposed 50-megawatt hot dry rock geothermal generation plant.
Eddy traces his start in the utility field to digging holes for power poles.
He worked for 15 years for two Ohio rural electric cooperatives before moving to Arizona to work for the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA). He completed work for his electrical engineering degree by correspondence while working for the Ohio cooperatives.
In a speech at Energy Expo '87, Eddy had these comments as a Ohio transplant: "I would like to straighten out the myth that Arizona is all sand and cactus ... and hot all the year round. The first night I spent as an employee of the Navajo tribe, it got to 56 below zero (real temperature). The next night it heated up to 36 below. I have seen snow in Arizona 70 inches on the level with drifts higher than a semi-truck."
As NTUA's General Manager for 10 years, he put together a $30 million utility system servicing 25,000 square miles. He also spent a year organizing an industrial development program for the tribe and two years automating a sawmill and constructing a particle board manufacturing facility.
After his 13 years with NTUA, he was named Navopache General Manage. His continued innovative efforts and the far sightedness of the utility's Board of Directors led to recent presentation of Western's Administrator's Award to Navopache.
During his career, Eddy received awards from four United States Government Departments--Interior, Health (now Health and Human Services), Commerce, and Energy (through Western)-as well as many professional and trade awards.
He and his wife Kathryn have a married daughter, Carol, and a son, Bob. Carol is with the local telephone company and Bob is a chemical engineer.
Eddy says he and his wife plan to spend a year "doing what we want to do, including some travel and a lot of relaxation."
Navopache also lost the services of Alkire, who retired after 30 years of service on January 2
The White Mountain Independent - Winter 1990.
When Carol asked me to say a few words today about Mac on behalf of Navopache employees…I was truly honored…at the same time, I wondered how could someone say just a few words about such a truly unique, once in a lifetime friend like Mac Eddy?
It’s not easy…there is a lot to say…
Mac is a lucky man…he had a dream for his life and he realized that dream…and we are all very lucky to have spent whatever time that we did working for Mac and with Mac…he inspired us to be the best that we could be and that just because we were a small COOP up in the mountains…if we could dream it…we could do it…we followed his example…
Mac’s dream was to bring technology into the utility workplace…and he did just that…
When Mac first came to NEC "Navopache Electric Co-Operative"…we were using number two pencils, adding machines, and Royal Typewriters…when Mac left NEC …we all had computers…
Mac accomplished goals with technology that seemed way beyond our means…but with his encouragement and willingness to take a risk…we accomplished the goals he set out…if I had to compare Mac to another great American…I think it would be Admiral Farragut of the US Navy during the Civil War…in the battle for Mobile Bay in Alabama against the Confederate Navy and against all odds Farragut shouted to his men… “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead”…he was victorious in the battle and that was Macs’ approach to many obstacles in his way…he was ready and willing to take a risk…knowing that nothing ventured meant nothing gained…Mac was not afraid to take a risk and not afraid to fail at some things…always learning, always preparing for the next challenge…never throwing in the towel for an easier approach…Mac did it his way and brought us all along for the exciting ride…
Mac was somewhat impatient when he had a good idea and a plan to see it become reality…he would sit outside of the offices of REA "Rural Electric Administration" officials in Washington DC, waiting for his chance to talk with administrators to get NEC the financing that it needed for a special project…he would wait outside the offices of the Corporation Commission to get a chance to convince the Commissioners that NEC wanted to try an experiment that would benefit the COOP and its members…it was not long that he didn’t have to wait outside of offices any more…he became a welcome visitor and always commanded the attention of regulators who perhaps with raised eyebrows…let Mac try his experiments…they almost always proved beneficial to us all and moved the COOP down the path to a better life in rural America….
I remember in 1979…Mac teamed up with an outfit from Las Cruces, NM, their name was energy optics…they had invented a way to read an electronic meter, which we had never heard of, with a laser gun from miles away…as a meter reader, we were naturally very excited about this project…it was called IRMA, “Infrared Remote Meter Acquisition”…we didn’t care what it was called, it represented a tremendous time saver and work saver for the COOP…the company eventually secured a NASA contract with its invention and turned it’s attention to the space program…but the genie was out of the bottle…remote meter reading would become the norm as the years passed…just one of many technologies that Mac had a hand in which became a reality after development right here at NEC…
One day Mac came in to the break room with a phone book in his hand…his pipe puffing away…and we knew he had a new idea…he opened the phone book up to the schedules that the phone company used to determine the different rates for telephone calls…Mac said…why not us? Why not design electric rates around the patterns of usage…just like the phone company…well, in 1984, Mac appealed to the corporation commission for an experimental time of use electric rate…unheard of in the in a small REA COOP…but Mac was convinced it would be good for the COOP and good for the members…24 years later, we still are using the rates that Mac designed and implemented…
Another cold December morning Mac called us together and explained that he wanted ownership the APS "Arizona Public Service" 69kv line that ran from Show Low to the McNary sawmill…the commission asked Mac, well, does your COOP serve load at this sawmill…absolutely said Mac…when in fact we didn’t…well on that cold December morning, waist deep snow, foggy and windy…Mac said, boys, by the end of the day we will have an energized meter on that building over there…we were blown away…what? In one day? Yes, in one day…we loaded up the Thiokol’s with wire and poles and cross arms and an army of NEC employees headed for Alchesay substation in McNary…by the end of the day…we had built 10 spans of primary line and had installed a polyphase meter on the building that Mac had pointed to…Navopache was serving load and shortly thereafter the Commission allowed NEC to purchase and take over the "69" line in its service territory…our territory was now ours…no intrusion into COOP country by an IOU…Mac had gotten the impossible done again…
There are many stories like these…it was normal when we worked for Mac…we knew that at anytime he could come up with an idea and we would get it done…he had faith in us and we had faith in him…there wasn’t anything we could not accomplish if we believed that we could do it…
Mac changed my life…I’m sure those of you here today that worked with Mac would agree that he changed your lives…he changed NEC forever, he changed the REA forever, he changed the world for the better and it was an honor to help him along his way…
We love you Mac, we will never forget you, and we thank you for your confidence in us and for the shining example that you set for us all…we bid you farewell and we will think of you often as we face the challenges in our lives…you have given us the confidence to succeed and the desire to make the world a better place for all…
