If you didn’t know that, fear not, Pop would make this “fact” known on a daily basis. At least 95% of the time, that pronouncement was unsolicited. If Pop could write his own obit, he would undoubtedly insist that was the headline. But in reality, he’d be burying the lead, because anyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing him can testify that while he thought he was cut from the same cloth as Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, his unending love for his family made him a quintessential George Bailey of “Its A Wonderful Life.”
Mark McGregor’s life was his family; however, you didn’t know Mark McGregor the family man without knowing Mark McGregor the musician first. The man sang like McCartney and played his Rickenbacker like Harrison, leaving this world with multiple billboard hits such as “You Know, You Know It’s Christmas” and “Mardi Gras Fantasy” (co-written by Uncle Pop). Musically, Pop only had two great disappointments. One was that the Traveling Wilburys declined his offer to join up via his “I Want to Be a Wilbury” diddy, clearly they recognized his superior talent and stage presence. Two was his infamous meeting with Todd Rundgren, but this isn’t an airing of grievances.
Having covered Mark McGregor the musician, Mark McGregor the family man was not only a Coach and an Announcer, but also the most decorated Commissioner at Metry Playground. As a commissioner, he presided over many deep Dixie Youth playoff runs. Allegations of nepotism against Mark the Announcer were inherently inconsistent as he was fond of announcing things like, “Who would let McGregor (G, not Coop) steal? He runs like he’s pulling an ice wagon;” or “And McGregor (Coop, not G) strikes out another one.” Maybe he softened as he aged, but again, this isn’t an airing of grievances.
He was also a lifelong New Orleans Saints fan. He was a season ticket holder since 1967. No matter what the Saints erroneous records may say, the Katrina season does not count as he still never missed a home game in the Dome. (New York, Baton Rouge, and San Antonio do not count for “home” games. Pelican Plumbing Supply, Inc., has had season tickets 1967-to date. The invoice was paid in full in the Katrina and COVID years.) But again, this isn’t an airing of grievances.
More importantly, to his beloved family, he was Capt. Pop, Uncle Marky, and Pop. Most importantly though, he was Mawky. Historians are still looking into how the “r” in Marky became so unpronounceable that it transformed into a “w.”
He is predeceased by his mother Peggy Mang McGregor, his father Howard “Mac” McGregor, his brother Howard “Mickey” McGregor, Bayou St. John Golf Club, and Saints losing seasons.
He is survived by his beautiful and selfless wife of 43 years: Debra Hug McGregor; their Sons: George Mark McGregor, Jr. (Brittany), and Cooper William McGregor; their Grandson/First Mate: George “Brock” McGregor; his Sister: Marianne Eyles (Ralph); his Sister-in-Law: Rebecca Hug Long (Ralph); his Nephews and Nieces: Scotty McGregor (Vickie), Hunter McGregor, James McGregor, Emily Riddle (Adam), Roger Eyles, Alex Long (Robyn), Mason Long (Courtney), and Madeleine Long; as well as a host of Great-Nieces and Nephews, and the Saints as a winning ball club.
Pop really only got mad twice. First, when the Kirshman’s Furniture “manager” tried the ol’ bait and switch. Second, when someone attempted to tell him he wasn’t a coach. Mark McGregor was truly in the business of people. People could not help but love Pop and he genuinely loved them back - almost as much as he loved swings.
We feel like Pop would think it is totally appropriate to conclude with: “Carson Daly is still a two bit, talentless hack.” But this isn’t an airing a grievances so we won’t. (But he is.)
A funeral Mass will be held at Jesuit High School's Chapel of the North American Martyrs Saturday August 15, 2020 at 1:00 PM, with eulogies beginning at 12:45 PM and visitation beginning at 11:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation either to the charity that did so much for Pop, Team Gleason, or, if you’re not too worried about that, The Human Fund c/o George Costanza at Kruger Industrial Smoothing.
The pallbearers are Alex Long, Mason Long, Uncle Pop, Terry Brennan, Scotty McGregor, Hunter McGregor, James McGregor, and Roger Eyles.
Serving as honorary pallbearers are AE Briede, Bill Bumgarner, Grieg Delahoussaye, JD Demarest (*), Rodney Ferrand, Steve Johns, Bob Marshall, Joey Montgomery, Steve Quilter, Craig “Satch” Sanders, Larry Schott, Michael Touchy, MJ Wolfe, and Carl Wood.
To view and sign the family guestbook, visit lakelawnmetairie.com
