Boyd Mael

Boyd Mael, 86, passed away June 8, 2005, at the Hospice Center of McKee Medical Center after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. A graveside family service with full military honors will be at a later date at Fort Logan Military Cemetery. Francis Boyd Mael was born June 20, 1918, in Cincinnati, Iowa, the only child of Boyd and Fern Putnam Mael. He married Evelyn Marie McAninch of Albia, Iowa, on April 6, 1946, in Ottumwa, Iowa. His parents moved to Ottumwa, where he graduated from Ottumwa High School. While in high school he became interested in ham radio and was one of the youngest operators to receive his license, W0GNU, at the time. He continued as an amateur radio operator until the last few years. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in August 1940 and became a radio instructor obtaining the rank of tech sergeant. He was selected to attend Communications Cadets at Yale University and upon graduation was commissioned a second lieutenant in August 1943. During World War II, he served in the China, India, Burma theatre, being released from active duty in November 1945. As a reservist he was recalled to active duty in December 1951. He spent three years in Germany, and tours in Texas, Mississippi and Montana where he was base commander at the Radar Site at Lewistown for three years. His last tour of duty was at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, for three years. He was selected to become a member of the Regular Air Force, and retired as a major in November 1968 when the family settled in Fort Collins. He was a member of the Air Force Association, Military Officers Association of America being a charter member of the Northern Colorado Chapter, American Legion, Elks Lodge BPOE No. 804 and Northern Colorado Amateur Radio Club. After his retirement, he was employed at Colorado State University for four years. He started his own business, Electrotech of Fort Collins, which involved electronic services and television cable installations. He enjoyed flying and years ago flew the passenger "shuttle" for the Fort Collins Airpark to Stapleton Airport, along with individual commercial charter flights. He also bowled on the Elks Club team until his health deteriorated. Survivors include his wife, Marie Mael at the Wexford in Loveland and their three sons, William Mael of Fort Collins, Richard Mael LTC USAF retired of Ogden, Utah, and Ronald Mael of Grapevine, Texas. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Hospice of Larimer County in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive St., Fort Collins, CO 80524.