Holmes "Mack" McCormick, 87, formerly of Montrose, died Tuesday, July 5, 2011, in a hospital near Minot, N.Dak., following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Mack was born on January 11, 1924, in Lewistown, to Holmes Sr. and Madeleine (McKee) McCormick. He was raised and educated in Lewistown and graduated from Lewistown High School in 1941. He joined the U.S. Army in 1943 where he served in the Philippines during World War II. During this time he met and married the love of his life, Ruth South, on April 20, 1944. They celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary in April of this year. After discharge from the Army, he furthered his education at Shippensburg State College where he received his B.S. in education. He taught English and coached dramatics in Southeast Pennsylvania. He continued his education, while teaching, and received his Master's degree from Temple University. Upon receiving his Master's, he relocated to Flemington, N.J., where he was assistant superintendent at Hunterdon Central High School. In 1968, the family moved to Montrose, where Mack became the Superintendent of Montrose Area School District. He was active in the Elks Club, Rotary, Lions, V.F.W., and the American Legion. Mack and Ruth retired to their summer home at Lake Naomi in Pocono Pines, in 1979. Not content to relax or be idle, Mack worked at PNC Bank and the Lake Naomi Corporation where he was the "ranger" in their vacation community for many years. They traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and enjoyed seeing all of America. Mack and Ruth took a huge leap of faith in 2005 and moved to Casper, Wyo., where they could be closer to their daughter, Dee and her family. In 2009, Dee and her husband were transferred to Minot, N.Dak., and, again, they were on the move. Ruth and Mack were able to remain together until January of this year when health issues created the need for nursing home care. He lost the battle to pneumonia and died peacefully in the hospital. His loving family includes his wife, Ruth, of Minot, N.Dak.; daughters: Dru (Mike) Petruzzi of Reeders, and Dee (Craig) Tischer of Minot, N.Dak.; seven grandchildren: Tim (Kelly) Bomboy of Montrose, Tamie (Mel) Bair Jr. of Columbia Crossroads, Michael Paul Petruzzi of Stroudsburg, Danny Petruzzi of Stroudsburg, Kyle Hunsicker of Casper, Wyo., Brad Hunsicker of Casper, Wyo., and Erin (Jason) Hall of San Luis Obispo, Calif.; sister, Patricia Foringer of Ocean Pines, Md.; and brother, Tom (Sandy) McCormick of East Petersburg. Mack also is survived by six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law Paul Foringer; and several aunts and uncles.Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Mack's life will be held in Pocono Pines, later this summer. Memorials in his name can be made to the at alz.org.Anyone wishing to express their sympathy in a card may do so to: Ruth McCormick, Somerset Court, 1900 28th St. SW., Apt 120 Minot, ND 58701.