Obituary for George Mackey

George Arthur Mackey, 81, of Westerville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 23rd with his children and grandchildren lovingly by his side. George was born on April 18, 1940 to Wilho and Elvera Mackey in Calumet, Michigan. A true Upper Peninsula Finn, George grew up in a home where fluent Finnish was spoken and pasties, apple crisp, milk and strong black coffee were always on the menu. In the heart of the copper country along Lake Superior’s majestic shores, George enjoyed ice hockey and all winter sports (I mean, let’s face it, they really only get about 4 months without snow in the U.P). He grew up playing, waterskiing, swimming and searching for Agates and Petoskey stones along Lake Superior.

 

After graduating from Centennial Heights High School in Calumet, he went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree, and subsequently an MBA at Michigan Technological University (Go Huskies!). During his 30 year career with The Dow Chemical Company George traveled the globe representing the company in countries from Russia to Denmark, to Japan, just to name a few. His storied career includes accomplishments such as pioneering the research for insulation technology for the Alaskan Pipeline, and helping lead the plastics recycling initiative. He served on the board for the National Science Foundation and worked hard to encourage young minds to pursue education, specifically in the sciences. In fact, one of his great loves was volunteering as a science-fair judge.

 

Although George’s mind was brilliant, his heart was always his greatest asset. He wore it on his sleeve proudly. He lived for his family, always putting his wife, children, and grandchildren first. He was a master math tutor, a prolific story-teller, a talented artist (illustrating many a story written for English class by either his children or grandchildren), and science-fair mentor extraordinaire. He was an avid water-skier, runner, bicyclist and weight lifter. You could find him running marathons, checking out the Arnold Classic, lifting weights at fitness center, tearing up a slalom course, barefoot skiing, or doing back flips off a water-ski jump in Florida. As recently as 4 years ago you could find him daily at the fitness center of The Lakes, where he could still do 19 straight-arm hanging pull-ups and one-arm push-ups. George was an athletic legend to the very end!

 

George loved a good hamburger and an IPA. He had a passion for coffee, specifically when it was black, strong and hot! He would never turn down peanuts and he adored a good glass of milk (nobody loved milk more than George). A voracious reader, George loved learning about theology, history and current events. He read 2 newspapers a day and could rival any financial advisor with his knowledge of investing. He looked forward to seeing Warren Buffet every year and never missed a Berkshire Hathaway shareholder’s meeting. He could enchant anyone with his charm and genuine warmth. He was truly one of the kindest souls the world has ever known. 

 

George was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. He was unendingly proud of his wife, children and grandchildren. George is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Judy Mackey, his sister Jean Clark, and his brother Lawrence Mackey. He is survived by his son Scott (Rachel) Mackey, daughter, Kristen (Claire) Marvin, Grandchildren Madison Ryan, Connor Ryan, Ian Mackey, and Xander Mackey, as well as his step-grandchildren Katy (Patrick) Biron, Kelly (Adam) Gerhardt, Karen Marvin, and 6 great grandchildren, Zac Biron, Andy Biron, Emma Biron, Emily Gerhardt, Josh Gerhardt and Tim Gerhardt. He lived to play with the little children and would light up anytime they were around. 

 

His wife, Judy, was the true love of his life. He told everyone he met, “My wife has Parkinson’s and I stay in shape because my goal is to live one day longer than she does so I can care for her.”  

 

Well, Dad, mission accomplished. You gave of yourself selflessly every day of your life. You took care of Mom, and all of us, to the very end. Even just days prior to leaving this world you were a gentleman to the very end, still trying to share your meals with caregivers or visitors. You were, perhaps, one of the last true angels on this earth. You would never fail to open a door for a lady, you would drop anything to help a friend, and you’d have given a stranger the shirt off your back. 

 

Well done, Dad. We will take over on this end now, and you can finally join Mom in The Kingdom of Heaven.

 

Calling hours will be Friday, February 25th from 12:00pm – 1:00 pm, with the service beginning immediately following at 1:00 pm at Hill Funeral Home, 220 South State Street, Westerville. Donations may be made in George’s name to Central College Presbyterian Church, 975 South Sunbury Road, Westerville, Ohio 43081.