Arthur Reed MacKelvie

In 194, two WSU college students married - not knowing if WWII military combat duties overseas and two years of separation would eventually bring them back together. Arthur R MacKelvie passed away April 20, 2017, 11 years to the day after his wife of 61 years, Jane E. MacKelvie

A New Year's baby born in Yakima, WA in 1923, Art was the son of Zillah, WA orchardists Arthur D. and Helen E. MacKelvie. Likely, it was here that his notorious "sweet tooth" took root with family-made ice cream, jam, pie, etc.

But, like many from the greatest generation, a simple newspaper clipping fails to convey the imprint of Art's blessed life. Art entered the Army after his junior year and attended officer candidate school as a result of college ROTC. He went overseas as a 2nd lieutenant, received a battlefield promotion to 1st lieutenant during the Battle of the Bulge, and was discharged as a captain after two years of service.

Art spent the night of his 21st birthday in a captured German foxhole, during a historically cold and snowy winter in Belgium's Ardennes mountain range during the Battle of the Bulge. Commanding an anti-tank platoon consisting of 32 men divided into three units, he received three battle stars for ground combat during the Battle of the Bulge/Belgium, Colmar Pocket/France, and Battle for the Ruhr/Germany.

Art was one of the 1,321 recipients of the Bronze Star within his 15,000 man 75th Division, which was initially deemed the "Diaper Division" due to its unusually young age of men. After the Battle of the Bulge the 75th Division became known as the "Bulge Busters". Art was also awarded the Legion of Honor medal, bestowed by France since 2004 upon living WWII veterans that meet certain criteria and fought in a main liberation campaign.

After his Army discharge, Art reentered WSU and was elected president of his senior class while studying to complete a broadcasting degree. Upon graduation in 1946, he began his radio career at KHQ, in Spokane, where he was a morning announcer for years. Joining the Air Force Reserves to earn extra income for his young family, Art was again called into service during the Korean War. With his growing family in tow, he attained the rank of Air Force captain while serving stateside in Chicago for two years.

In 1955, Art and a colleague started KZUN radio, which he helped operate for several decades. Widely supportive of Spokane Valley, the radio station was a platform for his talents. From hospital foundations to school levies, Art was actively involved. He became an on-air personality for Safeway Stores divisional advertising campaigns for 13 years, which were aired on 100 TV and radio stations on any given month in five states. His friendly face, strong voice, ready humor, wit, selflessness, and holistic efforts were embedded in the community.

Art and Jane were founding members of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, where he was a lay reader for years. They enjoyed traveling, group golf junkets and bridge card parties with friends, and life at the lake with a Coeur d'Alene cabin, where Art demonstrated his ability to ski into and over the dock, but only once. Art survived by his children: Sheri, Scott, Kim (wife Kimberly); grandchildren: Kellie (James), Melissa (Dan), Sean, Michael; and great-grandchild:Kayla The family would like to thank extended family and friends; Donna for her love and caring; and Rockwood South HIll Retirement staff - in particular the highly supportive aides making Art's life easier over the past 2.5 years. You know who you are!

Being a life-long baseball enthusiast, Art, no doubt, would like a shout-out to his fellow Zillah baseball teammates who nearly won the American Legion AAA state baseball championship back in the day. He's now rounding third and coming home. No reason to slide, Dad.

At Art's request, a closed family service will be held. The family suggests memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Spokane, 121 S Arthur, Spokane 99202 or Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 15319 E 8th Ave., Spokane Valley, 99037