THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, July 5, 1994 TAG: 9407010027
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
Staff writer Marc Davis presented a well-written report (news, May 30) concerning the allegedly mishandled estate of Mac McCowan, a close buddy for 45 years. He wrote that Mac left an estate valued at more than $500,000, yet was considered ``cheap'' by ``all his friends.''
I understand that Mr. Davis decided to present Mac as a penny-pinching miser who lived austerely and hoarded a small fortune, but I was saddened to think that other people who never knew Mac might be swayed to think of him only as he is described in the article. Allow me, then, to correct any misinformed assumptions concerning Mac's character, for he was in many ways a fine and extraordinarily talented man.
Eccentric - yes; frugal - certainly; but in matters that counted, where a friend needed aid, even large amounts of money, Mac was never ``cheap.'' My wife and I know of several friends he helped over rough times with gifts or loans of thousands of dollars - most never repaid - and never once did he pressure or hound anyone.
This is the Mac I knew and treasured. Such details are not as eye-grabbing as telling us that he told guests not to flush, but I believe they are vital in order to see Mac for who he really was. He did not lavish attention on himself, but he gave much to others. He had a generous heart, and he was a fine and knowledgeable motorcyclist. I know not his equal.
S. W. BIBERMAN
Norfolk, June 13, 1994 by CNB