James "Ed" Mackie Sr.

James “Ed” E. Mackie, Sr., age 83 of Farwell, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at his home. Ed was born the son of Bruno and Eileen (Kiltinen) Mackie on January 29, 1929 in Detroit. He was married to Ruth Boyd with her predeceasing him in 1985. He was then united in marriage to Teresa Kirby on August 1, 1988. Ed had served his Country in the Air Force during the Korean War. He had worked as an Air Traffic Controller at Detroit Metro Airport, and had retired from MBS International Airport. Ed was proud of the fact that he had built his own home with his bare hands with help of family and friends. He was an avid Detroit Tigers, Lions and Redwings fan; even going so far as to plan his day around game time. Ed was a big fan of all the Farwell Sports; he had bowled at Gateway Lanes in Clare every Tuesday during Senior Bowling and on Saturday in the SNOBS League. Ed had played hockey in his younger years, even getting the chance to play at the Olympia Arena in Detroit. He enjoyed riding his 4-wheeler, hunting, fishing and camping at Whiskey Creek; he loved his sweets and Mt. Dew. Ed was a member of the Farwell American Legion and the Farwell V.F.W. Ed was a diehard yooper, having built a deer camp near Gwinn. He will be remembered by his family as being a man of good humor, who always had a smart alec remark. Ed was a member and attended the Farwell United Methodist Church. Ed is survived by his wife Teresa; his children James “Jim” (Pam McArthur) Mackie, Jr. of Clare, Carol (Jim) Laffey of Livonia, and Jackie (Bryan) Darland of Lake; his brother Russell (Joy) Mackie of Spruce; his sister-in-law Judy Mackie of Farwell; 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and many adopted children and grandchildren. Ed was predeceased by his parents, two daughters, Sandra Crofoot and Lisa Denham, his brother Dwaine Mackie, his great grandson Carter Denham and his aunt Eleanor Chilson. A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. at the Farwell Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home with Pastor Connie Bongard officiating. Visitation will take place prior from 4 to 7 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to Teresa Mackie. Please consider leaving the Mackie family an on-line condolence at www.stephenson-wyman.com

James "Ed" Mackie Sr.

January 29, 1929 - October 2, 2012