Obituary of Richard Curtis MacGregor

Richard (Rick) Curtis MacGregor passed away unexpectedly at his home in Reston, VA on July 14, 2014. Born November 29, 1953 in Torrington, CT and raised in Winsted, he was the beloved husband of Myriam Olaza Perez MacGregor and son of the late Francis J. and Peggy K. (Curtis) MacGregor. He was a 1971 graduate of the Gilbert School. After high school, he took a year off and traveled extensively on his bicycle. He logged over 6,000 miles riding through eastern Canada at the age of 18. He attended the University of Kansas, graduating in 1978, to pursue his life long love of Cartography. He began his career with the U.S. Department of Defense in 1978 where he remained until his retirement this past November. His career took him all over Central and South America where he thoroughly immersed himself in the cultures of these countries. He lived in Peru, Chile, Paraguay, Guatemala, the jungles of Columbia, and Easter Island to name a few. It was in Peru where he met his true love, Myriam. Rick packed many adventures in his 60 years. He was active in the Winsted Boy Scouts (Troop 27), where he earned his Eagle Scout at the age of 15. He loved skiing, swimming, bike trips, traveling the world, and mountaineering. He climbed Devil's Tower, Grand Teton, Mt. Fuji, Mt. Cotopaxi, Macchu Picchu as well as other noteworthy peaks. In fact, Rick had plans to embark on another mountain climbing adventure in Guatemala with his life long friend David Palmer. Sadly, this was not to be. He was a loving, caring, enthusiastic soul who took much pleasure being with his family and friends. Rick made all of us feel so very special. In addition to his loving wife of 27 years, he leaves behind their two sons Richard and Curtis MacGregor of Reston, VA. He was recently blessed with a grand daughter Enna. He also leaves behind three sisters: Patricia (Marc) Rebillard of West Hartland, Marilyn (William) Gagner of Winsted, Barbara (Dean) Fredsall of Torrington, one brother, Bruce MacGregor of Torrington, three nieces, Amanda (Eric) Schaefer of Colebrook, Melissa and Valerie Fredsall of Torrington, one great-niece, Hailey Schaefer of Colebrook, many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. The funeral will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 18 with visitation two hours prior at Our Savior's Way Lutheran Church in Broadlands, VA. In honor of Rick's memory, go for a bike ride, climb a mountain, jump in a river or show enthusiasm in all you do. Salud!!!