Photo by J.D. Cavrich Bob McGregor in his apartment May 14, 2015.

Bob McGregor was an excellent golfer and a wonderful man, say those who knew him.

James Robert “Bob” McGregor, 105, Hollidaysburg, died Sunday at The Lutheran Home at Hollidaysburg, where he was the oldest resident.

McGregor became one of the best golfers in Blair County during the early 1950s at the Blairmont Club. He also played many years at Park Hills Country Club.

He applied for and became a member of the exclusive United States Seniors Golf Association — an organization that promotes the game of golf and conducts annual tournaments throughout the country.

McGregor was inducted into this limited-membership group in 1969. Over the years, he competed in numerous USSGA events. The last hole of golf he played was at the age of 94.

“We were very good friends,” Bill Thompson Sr. of Altoona said. “We played together and against each other and made fun of each other in a kind way. He was a competitor. He shot his age when he was in his 90s, and not many people can do that.”

McGregor was more than just a good golfer.

“He was one of the most wonderful men I ever met,” Thompson added. “He was a gentleman and very polite. I couldn’t describe a better man.”

Joe DeLeo of Altoona also met McGregor at Park Hills and became a close friend.

“Bob was the epitome of a gentleman’s gentle man,” DeLeo said. “I thought very highly of him. We played golf together and traveled together. He was a very good-looking guy, but also a very down-to-earth guy. He was one of those people you were just attracted to.”

McGregor also had another claim to fame.

During the 1970s, McGregor was an advertising model, with his dapper image appearing in The New York Times, Life, Look, Esquire, Gentleman’s Quarterly and Sports Illustrated.

McGregor became a salesman for clothing manufacturer Joseph & Feiss, hosting buyers in big-city hotels and the firm’s New York offices. He later became a fashion director, traveling to Europe to see fabrics and fashions helping the firm keep up with trends.

Vincent Turiano of Hollidaysburg said McGregor was a wonderful father-in-law.

“He was quite the gentleman,” Turiano said. “He was very friendly and would do anything for anyone.”

McGregor, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a 1st lieutenant, also owned DeMatteis Travel Service from 1975-83 and was active in many community organizations.

Friends will be received from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Plank, Stitt & Stevens Funeral Home, 421 Montgomery St., Hollidaysburg.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Hollidaysburg, the Rev. Jeanne Jacobson officiating.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.