John (Mac) Bert McQuaid

1937-2025

John Bert McQuaid passed peacefully, and on to his next adventure, on 9/29/2025. He was at home surrounded by loved ones with his faithful companion Kia at his side.

He was born in 1937 to Bert and Grace McQuaid and was raised in Denver, Colorado. As a child, he spent many days panning for gold with his parents in Colorado’s Clear Creek canyon on the family’s mining claim. He attended South High School and proudly served four years in the United States Navy. He settled into a career as a real estate broker in Colorado’s Vail Valley and Craig Colorado and eventually found  his home in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley. Mac met many people along his life journey and will be greatly missed.

Mac was a very thoughtful individual and sought truth in everything he did. From his political and spiritual beliefs to inventing and creating devices that promoted self-sufficiency, there was no insurmountable challenge for him. He could design and build anything he set his mind, heart and hands to including a serenade on his banjo after a delicious burrito he whipped up for dinner. He was an accomplished pilot and loved soaring over the Rocky Mountains in his Cessna airplane. 

Mac was preceded in death by his beloved wife Shirley and his son Mike Lovins (JoAnn) and is survived by son John Lovins (Gilda) and daughter Patti Gill (Joe). 

Mac played an important role in his Grandchildren’s lives and his beloved niece Heidi’s life. He taught them right and wrong, survival skills, financial responsibility and that rewards are earned. Most importantly he taught them to recite the following: “Grandfather, knower of all things great and small from creation to eternity!”

His wisdom and the example of his life are passed on to his grandchildren Sarah Ahnstedt, Jacob Robida, Magdalene Robida, Rebekah Smith, John Robida, Andrew Lovins, Nadia Lovins and John Lovins. As well as his great grandchildren Stella Lee, Zildjian Heinze, Sophia Smith, Dezmond Heinze, Delilah Smith, Zenith Heinze, Race Ahnstedt, Augustus Smith and Juniper Smith.

A celebration of life will be held at 1959 Basil Ln., Corvallis, MT 59828 on Saturday, September 13 at 2 p.m. It is going to be a potluck style dinner if you care to bring a dish of your choice.