Juris Miervaldis Macs

JURIS MIERVALDIS MACS

Sunrise: Oct. 3, 1934, Riga, Latvia  - Sunset: Oct. 8, 2026, Aberdeen, Washington

“Renaissance Man is not a term that gets used much anymore, nor should it, but it fits.” ~John Smeltzer on Juris Macs

It’s a beautiful challenge to try to describe the fullness of a person who has had such great and varied passions, interests, talents, skills and heart in his long and fruitful life. Lovely and admirable words about Juris have already been shared—throughout the years-—as well as recently, following his passing.

To the abundance of praise for his life-long service, both in medicine and to his treasured community, we aim to add even more colors to his life story. For us, he is the big brother, cherished father, beloved grandfather, playful great-grandfather, adored uncle and devoted friend.

Born in the atmospheric capital of Latvia and raised in its lush countryside, the boy who revered his parents developed a love of the natural world that is inherent in all Latvians. Young Juris’ boyhood, however, was tragically cut short by the horrors of war, as Latvia was caught between Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia. The journey of leaving home was horrific. The limbo of living in a refugee camp for years, a matter of survival. The path that brought the family to Washington state, a blessing.

Less than a decade after arriving in the U.S., Juris’ persistent inner drive and tireless curiosity carried him through academic and medical training. He ultimately chose Aberdeen to make his home, where he settled with former wife Linda and daughters Lisa, Dina and Erika, and embarked upon his adventure as a doctor.

Aberdeen became the answer to his desire “to live in a place that has more trees than cars” and when not working, he reveled in all that the stunning landscape had to offer: clam-digging along the ocean beaches, mushroom foraging and hiking throughout the Olympics, hunting in the PNW (and beyond), back-country camping in the high Cascades, cattle-ranching in Eastern Washington with his med school friend Del, road-tripping to National Parks and, of course, fishing and volunteering with the Poggies—all activities enjoyed with family and dear friends.

Through the years, Juris remained deeply connected to the Latvian community, keeping traditions alive through his Lettonia Fraternity, and supporting international, national, state and educational organizations and endeavors, including the pending West Coast Latvian Song and Dance Festival.

Juris’ varied interests and pursuits further included a deep dive into the poet T.S. Eliot, enthusiastic experimenting with new recipes, reading everything that piqued his interest, and, always, sharing time with loved ones...often times, with a glint of humor in his eyes and warmth in his smile.

In his final years, Juris was deeply moved by spending time with family and friends, particularly thankful to live long enough to enjoy his great-grandchildren.

In his final months, he repeatedly expressed deep gratitude to his “crew of angels” who helped him live the last chapter of his life the way he wanted: in his own home.

In his last week, he celebrated 92 years of living, surrounded by loved ones and the abundance of a life fully lived.

Like any Renaissance Man, Juris lived his life with passionate purpose, pouring his life’s energies into the place he called home, and the people living here, many of whom have declared “I am alive because of Dr. Macs.”

Juris is preceded in death by parents Edmunds and Alma Macs, sisters Inta (husband Bruce) Hasenkamp and Dace (husband Van) Johnson. He is survived by brother Andris (wife Mimi) Macs, daughters Lisa Macs (husband Denny Lawrence), Dina Macs (husband David Buitenveld), Erika Macs, grand-daughters Megan (husband Matt) Newton, Rachel (husband Ben) Smeltzer, great-grandchildren

Charlotte and Bennett Newton, nephew John Johnson (wife Amy Canon), great-nephews Kai and Percy

Johnson, niece Anna Johnson (wife Arouna Phommasouvanh), nephew Peter (wife Allison)

Hasenkamp, great-nephews Evan and Tyce Hasenkamp, niece Melissa Macs-McGovern (husband Steven), great-niece Milija Macs-McGovern and devoted friends Julie and Pete Moramarco and all the friends, colleagues and community members who made his life a warm embrace.

The family extends our deepest gratitude to the staff at Harbor Regional Health not only for their care and compassion during Juris’ last days, but also for sharing Juris’ service in medicine in their recent Facebook post. Thanks, also, to John Hughes for your immediate announcement (in the Daily World) of Juris’ passing, allowing the family some space to move through the early storm of grief.

If so moved: donations in Juris’ name can be made to:

The West Coast Latvian Education Center: on-line, or at PO Box 794 Woodinville, WA 98702 and The Dr. Juris M. Macs Endowed Scholarship at the University of Washington: 206-543-5686 or tollfree at: 866-633-2586

We look forward to celebrating Juris’ life with the Harbor community and all who will be traveling from across the world, this summer (2027), in Aberdeen, WA. Details to follow, as the time draws closer.

Thank you, Grays Harbor, for caring for someone who cared so very much for you.

“We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive

where we started and know the place for the first time.”

~T. S. Eliot