Golf Canada is deeply saddened by the loss of Past President (1997) and Honorary Life Governor Frederick Alvin (Al) Macatavish, who passed away peacefully on August 29, 2024, at the Selkirk District Health Centre in Selkirk, Man., at the age of 84.
Macatavish had a long history of dedicated service to golf, both in Manitoba and on the national and international stages.
He had been a member of Elmhurst Golf and Country Club since 1964 and served on the club’s Board of Directors from 1967 to 1979, including a term as President from 1976 to 1977.
Provincially, he was Elmhurst’s representative to Golf Manitoba from 1978 to 1979 and served on the Board of Directors from 1980 to 1988, including a term as President in 1985 and Past President from 1986 to 1988. He was the non-playing captain for Manitoba’s 1983 junior men’s team and the 1985 Willingdon Cup team.
Al was a past member of Golf Canada’s Board of Directors serving the association for many years in various capacities, including the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame Selection Committee and a term as President in 1997. He was appointed an Honorary Life Governor in 2000.
He served as Canada’s delegate to the World Golf Council from 1997 to 2000 and was a rules official at international events on four continents, as well as at numerous events across Canada and in Manitoba.
He was inducted into the Manitoba Golf Hall of Fame and Museum on September 25, 2006.
Al will be missed by many, as both he and his wife Cathy made significant contributions to Golf Canada, the former Canadian Ladies Golf Association, Golf Manitoba, Elmhurst Golf and Country Club, and the golfing community at large. Both Al and Cathy were also very supportive of the Golf Canada Foundation and its growth for many years.
Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date.
