Edward Richard MacKay, 64, of Haverhill and formerly of Reading and Wakefield, passed away at home on April 23, 2019 after a fierce and courageous four-year battle against cancer.
Ed leaves behind his devoted wife and soulmate, Jan (Varney), and his beloved daughter Sarah and her fiance Jason Brown. His eldest daughter, Michelle (Case), preceded him in death. Ed was the son of the late John Joseph MacKay and Marion (Bennett). He leaves behind his brothers: John J. Jr (Jack) and his fiancee Debra Silva, and Steven and his wife Helen. Ed leaves six adored grandchildren: Kailey A. Case, Justin G. Case, Ryan J. Case and Jimmy MacKay, all of Haverhill, and Travis and Tayla Brown, of Reading. Ed is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom were an important part of his life.
Ed was larger than life -- and surprisingly self-effacing at the same time. How do you sum up a hero in just a few paragraphs? His children and grandchildren meant the world to him, and it was not unusual to find him engaged in activities with all of the family -- Nascar races, fishing, kayaking, hanging by our pool, tubing in the river, at the driving range -- you name it. He taught Michelle and Sarah the fine art of sarcasm, which they have mastered. He was always happiest when he was with his "kids". And if he happened to be up at his home in Conway (NH), it was even better.
In the early years, Ed often ran "MacKay's Taxi", and several times he and his wife Jan ran "MacKay's Home for Sarah's Wandering Friends". He might grumble and joke about it, but no matter how much he complained he was always there to help. There was no other option as far as he was concerned. The wish to help was so deeply ingrained in his soul that it touched everything he did. It was one of the reasons he was so successful at his job, as his customers (many of whom became friends) would attest. He always went "the extra mile'. It drove his wish to donate his body to Tufts Medical School, hoping that perhaps something about his unusual cancer might be discovered.
He always checked in with his girls multiple times a day, making sure all was well or to let someone vent since life was not always easy. He was a fabulous listener and knew the difference between listening to a vent or offering advice. Either way, he was there for his family.
Ed instilled strong values in his children: treat everyone with dignity and respect; help others wherever and whenever you can; that no matter what, family comes first. He accepted Sarah's Jason as one of his own, even though he complained on occasion that he had to treat Jason with "kid gloves".
Nothing we can write here will ever completely sum up this amazing human being. The girls grew up wanting to be like him. They wanted to make him proud. And they both did that every single day. Ed was so proud of 'his girls'.
We will miss his humor (always a little off-center but hilarious none the less), his kindness, his intelligent conversation AND silly remarks, and just hanging with him doing nothing.
A Celebration of Ed's life will be held Saturday, May 4th 2019, at 11 AM in Old South United Methodist Church, 6 Salem St, Reading (Square). Ed actually called it "Edapalooza' when he helped plan his service. We think that's a fitting name.
In honor of Ed's laidback style, please feel free to wear casual clothes to his service should you desire. It would please him.
And in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to AbilityPLUS at abilityplus.org You'll make an awful lot of people happy.
