Richard A. Mackie was born on May 17, 1943 in Lynn, Mass. to Vern and Eva Mackie.
Richard entered into the presence of the Lord on February 28, 2021 in Keizer with his wife Debra by his side.
As a teenager, Rich worked at the John Brown Estate in Pennsylvania, and enjoyed exploring the Underground Railroad shelter farm. Rich graduated from Pasadena City College and Cal State in Los Angeles with a major in business management. While he was living in Pasadena, he managed a lost wax process casting facility, producing airplane parts.
He married Janet McLeod and they had two sons, Eric and Evan. Although they later divorced, the two remained friends and happily enjoyed all family events together. Rich was blessed to have his two grandchildren Connor and Tasha.
Rich hired Debra at his business, Lancaster Printing Center, and married her 2 1/2 years later. They enjoyed 34 wonderful years of marriage. They worked together at Lancaster Printing Center for 36 years until Rich’s retirement.
Next to God and his family, Rich loved sports. He was an enthusiastic fan of everything from football to golf. A natural born softball pitcher, he was a key player on numerous teams.
Rich and Debra attended Salem Alliance Church together. He had a beautiful singing voice, and loved to contribute to the programs. Very active in Kiwanis, Rotary and FITS ministry, Rich showed that he had a very tender heart for those in need. He served on the Marion County Fire District board for 10 years, seven of which he spent as chairman.
Gardens and the birds, which frequented them, especially hummingbirds, were two of Rich’s passions. He would turn a barren yard into a pristine, landscaped work of art.
Rich loved being a Scotsman, and felt Scotland was his homeland. He and Debra traveled back to Scotland three times.
A Celebration of Life for Richard, will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 11:00 am at Salem Alliance Church (Broadway Commons Location) 1300 Broadway St, Northeast, Salem, Ore.
Contributions can be made in Rich’s memory, to the national Multiple Myeloma Foundation or the Union Gospel Mission in Salem.