Cameron John Mactavish

Lieutenant Colonel Mactavish died Thursday afternoon of natural causes at his home in Taos New Mexico. Born in Magdalena, NM as the eldest son of Ian Duncan Mactavish and Beatrice Corrine Holley, he lived his early years in Taos, moving to Clovis for his high school years. A member of the class of 1950 and an outstanding scholar and athlete, Colonel Mactavish lettered all three years in Football, Basketball and Track. He won the New Mexico State Championship in the half mile his sophomore year and was nicknamed "The Flying Scot". His senior year he was awarded the "All Around Athlete" prize. He attended the University of New Mexico on an ROTC scholarship and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1954 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Architectural Engineering. Upon graduation, he received his commission in the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and was stationed at flight school in Texas where he earned his wings as a Pilot. He was transferred to MacDill AFB in Tampa Florida, where he met Margaret Himrod. They were married in 1958. During his career in the Air Force, he quickly rose through the ranks as an Aircraft Commander with the 305 Air Refueling Squadron. In 1963, he went to Oklahoma State University, where he earned his Master's degree in Industrial Engineering. In 1966 Major Mactavish was sent to Vietnam where he served for 18 months, flying 126 missions over enemy territory. He was awarded eight Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross as well as the Silver Star for gallantry in service. Colonel Mactavish retired from the Air Force in 1975 and settled in Winter Park, FL. He then went on to work for Martin Marietta as an Engineer where he worked for a decade prior to his retirement in 1988. Cameron and Margaret then moved to Taos NM, settling into a house he designed and built himself. Cameron occupied the progressive wing of American politics and frequently shared his views with New Mexico’s congressional delegation. While retired, he was an active leader in the Taos Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, an Elder at Taos Presbyterian Church, commissioner on the Lower Des Montes Acequia Association, organizer of the Des Montes Neighborhood Association, a member of Taos Country Club, and an active Alum of Clovis High School and the University of New Mexico, where he loved attending Lobo basketball games at the Pit. Cameron always took opportunities to expand his mind and enjoyed watching the success of his children and grandchildren. Colonel Mactavish is survived by Margaret Himrod, his wife of 58 years. His brother Andrew Holley Mactavish and his wife Nancy Mactavish of Palos Verdes Est., CA. He is also survived by four children: Cameron John Mactavish II and his wife Michelle Barnes of Philadelphia, Dr. Bruce Duncan Mactavish and his wife Dr. Meg Hawthorne of Overbrook KS, Dr. Katherine Anne Mactavish and her husband Drew Robertson of Corvallis Oregon, and Robert Sinclair Mactavish Esq. of Tampa FL. Also surviving are five grandchildren; Ian Duncan Mactavish, Caleb William Mactavish, Cameron John Mactavish III, Amanda Rae Maitland and Camilla Mae Robertson. A Memorial Service was held at Taos Presbyterian Church on September 23, 2016. Arrangements by Rivera Family Funeral Home. This obituary is protected by copyright laws, unauthorized use or duplication is prohibited.