Dr. Mack Traynor

Dr. Mack Vincent Traynor Jr., died unexpectedly in his sleep at his Fargo home on Monday, April 11, 2005. Mack Jr. was born May 31, 1925 in Devils Lake, ND. He completed his undergraduate degree and two years of medical education at UND. In 1950 he earned the doctor of medicine (M.D.) degree at Northwestern University in Chicago and pursued post-graduate training in Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He earned a master of science in medicine degree from the University of Minnesota. He married Rita Roach on June 22, 1957. He enlisted in the Navy in 1943 and served in the Naval Reserve until 1985. Mack began his medical practice in 1956 at the Fargo Clinic. He retired from MeritCare Health System in 1995 serving patients for nearly 40 years. Dr. Traynor?s accomplishments during his extensive medical career included: serving as President of Fargo Clinic, clinical professor of Internal Medicine for the UND School of Medicine, Board Member of St. Luke?s Hospital and MeritCare Foundation, Governor for the ND chapter of the American College of Physicians and as Medical Director for Western States Life Insurance for many years. He was also the ND state delegate to the American Medical Association for several years and served as chairman of the Dakota Arthritis Association. In 1999, he was awarded a mastership from the American College of Physicians and in 2004 he received the Sioux Award from UND. Dr. Traynor volunteered his time and medical talent at the Salvation Army and upon retirement, worked part time at the VA Hospital in Fargo. He also played an integral role in hosting the retired physicians monthly breakfast meetings. Mack was active in the Pelican Lake Association. An avid fisherman, he continually worked to improve the walleye population. Mack is survived by his wife of 47 years, Rita; daughters: Cathy (Jeff) Bales; Peggy (Todd) Mickelson; sons: Mack (Carol); Jim (Katie); Pat (Jamie); and 14 grandchildren and his brother, Jack (Jane), of Devils Lake. He was preceded in death by his parents Mack Sr. and Betty. Mack loved his family, patients, Pelican Lake, Sanibel Island, FL, and traveling with his wife and friends from the American College of Physicians. He enjoyed time with friends and family searching for walleyes, golf balls and game birds. He had an insatiable appetite for helping others - sharing medical advice anytime, anywhere! Visitation: Thursday, April 14th, 2005 5-7 PM, with a prayer service at 7 PM. Church of the Nativity. Funeral Service: Friday, April 15th, 2005 2:00 PM. Church of the Nativity. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to: Dakota Medical Foundation (701-271-0263) - Mack Traynor M.D. scholarship fund for UND medical students or to the Church of the Nativity in Fargo, ND. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Online guestbook available at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com